The Student

A Gripping Thriller Shortlisted for the Prestigious Ned Kelly Award

NEW EDITION contains bonus material: a new afterword, an extended interview with Iain Ryan about the writing of the novel, 3 deleted scenes, and a previously unpublished TV script adapted from the book.

In the heart of small-town Australia, a killer lurks in the shadows. When local girl Maya Kibby is found murdered, the once-quiet college town of Gatton, Queensland, is plunged into chaos and fear. Student Nate Byrne finds himself caught in the middle of the murder investigation. It seems his class mates harbour dark secrets, and even darker connections to a local biker gang.

With its breakneck pacing, gritty atmosphere, and stunning prose, The Student is a standout neo-noir thriller that will keep you guessing until the final, heart-stopping revelation. As Nate confronts the evil hiding behind familiar faces, author Iain Ryan masterfully peels back the layers of a seemingly idyllic town to expose the dark underbelly beneath.

"⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Book of the year!" - READER REVIEW

Shortlisted for Australia's most coveted crime fiction award, The Student has earned its place as a must-read for fans of hardboiled crime. With over eighty 4- and 5-star reviews on Goodreads and praise from bestselling authors like Adrian McKinty and David Whish-Wilson, this standalone novel is a testament to Ryan's exceptional talent.

"A terrific neo-noir from an exciting new voice in Australian crime fiction" - Adrian McKinty, author of THE CHAIN and THE ISLAND