By BELINDA HARRISON, EDGARS BOOKS & NEWS Edgars Books & News, in conjunction with the Wangaratta Library, are excited to welcome Gabriel Bergmoser back to town to discuss his latest book on 28 August at 6.30pm at the library. 'High Rise' is a taut and unrelenting thriller that combines the grit of Australian noir with the relentless momentum of an action blockbuster. Structured around a high-stakes rescue mission, the novel explores fractured family bonds amid escalating danger and breathless combat. The narrative centres on rogue ex-police officer Jack Carlin, whose unorthodox methods and chequered past have left him estranged from his daughter, Morgan. After a year-long search, Jack finally locates her in the top floor of a decaying high-rise building. However, his arrival sets in motion a violent convergence: the city’s entire criminal underworld, who are eager to claim the bounty on Jack’s head. What follows is a desperate ascent through fifteen perilous storeys, as father and daughter confront not only the enemies closing in on them but also the wounds that have kept them apart. While High Rise delivers the high-octane thrills promised by its premise - claustrophobic firefights, relentless pursuit, and steadily mounting tension - it distinguishes itself through character work and thematic depth. Jack is not portrayed as a traditional hero; Bergmoser instead presents a man haunted by his past, whose flawed decisions have contributed to the very danger he faces. Morgan subverts expectations of victimhood, her mistrust and fierce independence complicating any notion of easy reconciliation. Their fraught dynamic lends the novel emotional weight amid the carnage. Bergmoser’s prose is brisk and cinematic, his action sequences tightly choreographed yet easy to follow. Crucially, moments of distinctly Australian humour punctuate the relentless pace, offering brief reprieves from the intensity without undercutting the stakes. This balance between propulsive storytelling and character-driven reflection elevates High Rise above the conventional thriller mould. For readers seeking a thriller that marries relentless action with emotional resonance, High Rise proves as compelling as it is unputdownable. Bookings for the event are requested to assist with venue set up and can be made through the library, Edgars Books & News, or online: https://edgarsbooksandnews.com.au/events/.
