Off the coast of Australia, a massive submarine landslide triggers a tsunami of unprecedented scale, hurtling towards the iconic Queensland Coast. Thousands are in the path of destruction, and time is running out.

For Amy Jacobs, it’s an ordinary morning—until she notices the ocean pulling back unnaturally during her walk along the boardwalk with her two young children. She knows something is terribly wrong.

Mark Jacobs is across town getting a haircut when he receives the emergency alert: head for higher ground. With nothing but flat terrain in sight, his only option is the penthouse of a nearby apartment building.

In Brisbane, meteorologist Nikki Bush is the first to detect the anomaly on the Bureau of Meteorology’s deep-sea sensors. Realizing a tsunami is imminent, she races to warn the public, battling red tape, disbelief, and her own fears in a desperate bid to save lives.

The First Wave is a gripping, edge-of-your-seat thriller that asks: What would you do when faced with the impossible?
As nature’s fury collides with human resilience, Amy, Mark, and Nikki must each confront unimaginable challenges in a fight for survival.

Katherine Franks brings the beautiful, sun-soaked Queensland coast to life in this unrelenting tale of disaster and determination. With heart-stopping action, compelling characters, and a uniquely Australian voice, The First Wave will leave you breathless and questioning how far you would go to protect the ones you love.

From the author of the bestselling Beneath the Red Dust, Katherine Franks delivers another unmissable thriller that turns a beloved holiday destination into your worst nightmare.