The Painter: Australian Murder Mystery Thriller – Detectives Belle & Barker
Step into the glittering streets—and shadowed back alleys—of Surfers Paradise in The Painter, the electrifying first novel in the Belle and Barker Murder Mystery Investigations series. Beneath the Gold Coast’s sunlit glamour, a dark predator stalks the city: a serial killer leaving behind a trail of brutality, lies, and cryptic clues.
The Painter: Art Forgery & Murder Mystery with Belle & Barker Detectives
A dangerous web of corruption, betrayal, and hidden crimes ensnares Detective Barker, a relentless veteran investigator. When his partner, the sharp-witted and fearless Belle, uncovers a connection to a black-market network trading in forged masterpieces and stolen treasures, the case takes a deadly turn.
As the body count rises, every lead pulls them deeper into a high-stakes game where art is forged, trust is shattered, and danger lurks behind every glistening facade. With time running out, Barker and Belle must confront their demons and outwit a ruthless killer before the paradise they know becomes a hunting ground from which no one escapes.
In a city where beauty is only skin-deep, the truth can be lethal.

The Painter is a serial killer crime mystery featuring Detectives Belle and Barker. Available 2026 on Amazon
This is a serial killer mystery that will keep readers hooked from the first page to the shocking finale. It’s a murder mystery thriller packed with twists, danger, and psychological tension. The novel launches the Detective Belle and Barker series, introducing two unforgettable investigators. Set against the backdrop of the Gold Coast, it delivers a gripping Surfers Paradise noir atmosphere. The plot blends the intrigue of art forgery mysteries with the high-stakes danger of homicide investigations. A dark thread of crime runs through the story, which explores the black market underworld of stolen masterpieces. Fans of Australian crime thrillers will find both the sunlit glamour and the dangerous shadows of the region brought vividly to life.
It’s a police procedural set in Australia, perfect for readers who love authentic investigative detail. This is crime fiction filled with corruption, betrayal, and shocking secrets, where no one can be trusted. The story is an intense suspense novel that constantly raises the stakes. As the first book in a mystery thriller series, it promises more cases to come for Belle and Barker. Its combination of high-stakes investigation and a richly atmospheric setting will captivate readers. It’s a murder mystery set in Australia that blends local colour with universal themes of justice and revenge. With a strong female lead in Belle, the novel appeals to fans of intelligent, capable heroines in crime fiction.
The Painter: Serial Killer Crime Mystery with Detectives Belle & Barker

