The Shark
Emma Styles
Hachette Australia, 2026
Emma Styles’ second novel, The Shark, is a uniquely crafted mystery set in Western Australia. Styles evocatively captures the Australian atmosphere through her selection of jargon and sensory imagery, which depicts a familiar yet twisted environment.
The novel follows two morally grey teenagers – protagonist Raych and deuteragonist Carmen – as they attempt to confront and unmask the infamous serial killer haunting their community. Their anti-heroic characterisation keeps the reader questioning the validity of their words and actions, engaging the audience until the very end, when Styles reveals more about their backstories. The chapters switch between both characters’ perspectives; however, with each switch there is also a change between first- and third-person point of view. This clever authorial distinction immediately connects readers to the first-person narration of Raych, while distancing them from Carmen’s less personable perspective.
The ambiguity of the novel’s introductory chapters keeps the reader wanting to turn the page and find out the next big reveal. Styles cleverly maintains a sense of tension throughout the book, establishing early on that the lead character only has a week to solve the central mystery and gain closure about the disappearance of a loved one. The fast-paced nature of reading The Shark mirrors the high stakes that Raych feels within the plot, only increasing the reader’s sympathy and engagement with her.
The Shark is appropriate for young and mature adults alike, as it addresses relevant topics in contemporary society. While grounded in suspense, the novel tackles feelings of loss, guilt, sexuality and gender, ultimately making it both a thrilling and emotional read.
