"Inside the Black Horse" by Ray Berard is a gripping debut novel that delves into the seedy underbelly of small-town life in Rotorua, New Zealand. Set against the backdrop of the Black Horse Bar and Casino, the story unfolds with an accidentally violent robbery, entangling a meth-dealing gang and a gambling corporation. The novel weaves elements of thriller, detective fiction, and romance, exploring the consequences of the chaotic events in this tight-knit community. The narrative skillfully examines themes of addiction, violence, and the clash between generations, particularly within the Maori community. Praised for its assured storytelling, the novel won the 2016 Ngaio Marsh Debut Novel Award and received recognition in other literary competitions.
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