Author(s): John Byron

Crime

A serial killer is stalking the streets of Sydney, hell-bent on recreating scenes from the Fabrica, the 16th-century foundation text of modern European anatomy. His cold, methodical attacks have the city on edge, but the serial killer may not even be the darkest player in this story. Desperate for a breakthrough, decorated homicide detective David Murphy draws into the case his art-historian sister, Joanna, and his wife, Sylvia. Unravelling the mystery of who is behind the killings pushes each beyond the limits of what they thought possible. The Tribute is a subversive take on modern masculinity and misogyny told through an irresistible crime narrative. Dark and unpredictable, chilling but sympathetic, it weaves a tapestry of narrative threads towards a mesmerising climax that will challenge the way you think about everyone you meet. Meticulously researched, hugely ambitious and superbly crafted, The Tribute is the most original and outstanding crime novel you'll read this year.

Matilda Bookshop Review
This is not a genre I would normally delve into but I must admit I was totally enthralled by the twist in the storyline. There's a serial killer loose in Sydney hellbent on recreating the works of Andreas Vesalius, a 16th century anatomist who created The Fabrica, a groundbreaking book on dissection and the workings of the human body. Hot on his tail is homicide detective, David 'Spud' Murphy, your classic 'Aussie bloke' who likes football, booze and misogyny. A classic cat and mouse tale, this book is not for the faint hearted and opens up a whole other narrative that is perfectly balanced, cleverly constructed and incredibly telling. I found myself totally immersed in Byron's world and loved every minute of it. Simon