Red herring / Jonothan Cullinane.

"Murder, political intrigue, bent cops and the fate of a nation a thriller set in the murky underworld of 1951 New Zealand. A man overboard, a murder and a lot of loose ends. In Auckland 1951 the workers and the government are heading for bloody confrontation and the waterfront is the frontline. But this is a war with more than two sides and nothing is what it seems. Into the secret world of rival union politics, dark political agendas and worldwide anti communist hysteria steps Johnny Molloy, a private detective with secrets of his own. Caitlin O'Carolan, a feisty young reporter, is following her own leads. Together they begin to uncover a conspiracy that goes to the heart of the Establishment and which will threaten their own lives in the process. Filled with memorable characters, including many colourful real life figures from recent New Zealand history, Red Herring is the stunning debut from a vibrant new voice in New Zealand fiction."--Publisher's description.