I love a good crime novel with a mystery that is just waiting to be solved. I find it particularly interesting when the author keeps you guessing till near the end of the book on who the guilty party is. Jane Harper accomplishes this in her book The Dry. In The Dry there is not just the current crime (a possible murder/suicide) but also a death from twenty years ago that is still unexplained.
Setting
The story takes place in a small fictional Australian town called Kiewarra. It is located about five hours north of Melbourne and the story takes place when the town and the area is suffering from a drought that is the worst in recent history. The drought is so severe that it is placing a real burden on the farmers and the livelihood of the locals. It has become so bad that suicide is on the minds of many of the residents.
The Book on Amazon
The book can be purchased on Amazon as an ebook, paperback, hardcover or audio book. Here is a link The Dry
Summary
The book begins when Aaron Falk, a law enforcement officer in the big city of Melbourne, receives a letter from the father of his best friend from childhood. In this letter the father requests /demands that Aaron attend his son's funeral. The son (Luke Hadler), son's wife and young son were all found shot to death and the town consensus is that the son shot his family and then turned the gun on himself.
Aaron Falk had left the town 20 years ago when another close friend, Ellie Deacon, drowned and again the town jumped to the conclusion that either Aaron or his Dad had something to do with Ellie's death. They left town, never to return again, until Aaron returns for Luke's funeral.
This is a small town where everyone knows or at least thinks they know everyone else's business. It is full of secrets, gossip and people jumping to the wrong conclusions.
Aaron Falk teams up with the local law enforcement official, Raco, and unofficial investigate the Hadler murders/suicide. There are many unanswered questions and as they look into the current murders they find the sins of the past coming in to play.
My Thoughts
This was one of those books where I guessed at the outcome throughout and yet was completely surprised at the ending. I don't want to give anything away but want you to know you won't be disappointed in the endings. The sins of the past are brought to task in the heroism of the present. I found this to be an excellent book. In fact, after reading it, I immediately downloaded the second book in the Aaron Falk series. It is called Force of Nature and can be found on Amazon at this link Force of Nature
Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”
FOLLOW US ON:
Mary Beth, you know I always enjoy a good mystery and this was definitely a good one. In fact, all three books in the Aaron Falk series are equally as good. I read them all, as I tend to do when I discover a mystery series and/or main character I like. And the land and lifestyle description of this area of Australia is fascinating to the reader. Thanks so much for your review of 'The Dry' and the Aaron Falk series of books.
ReplyDeleteGreat book review! I just downloaded it and look forward to reading it. It is always fun to discover a new author (to me) and a great series. I already want to know who killed the family and why. Thanks for the recommendation!
ReplyDeleteMary Beth, thanks for your review of this intriguing mystery novel. Since both you and Ms. Elf recommend it highly, I know it’s a great read.
ReplyDeleteSounds like an excellent book. I'm noted for guessing endings, so I can imagine that I would do what you did and try to figure it out - I love good mysteries that twist and turn!
ReplyDeleteIt says a lot when you download the next book after having finished the first one. I like these kinds of Whodunits! Keep me guessing until I turn those last few pages. Thanks for pointing me in this direction Mary Beth!
ReplyDeleteI like the sound of a book that is a good crime novel with a mystery to be solved and a surprise ending. I like to try to figure out the endings as well and it is good to be surprised! Thankyou for your review and recommendation.
ReplyDelete