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A review by what_heather_loves
Exiles by Jane Harper
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
"Falk exhaled...He felt like there was - 'What is it?' Zara said. She was watching him closely, Falk realised and he shook his head. 'I don't know,' he said, truthfully. But something did feel a bit - what? Off. Fall frowned. Did it? Or was it just a reaction to seeing footage so confronting? He scrossed back again, uncomfortably aware of the kids' scrutiny as the seconds ticked on. He could sense their hope building and shook his head. He wasn't going to do this to then. 'No. I'm sorry. It' s nothing.'...The boy looked disappointed and Fall hesitated again. Because somewhere, buried deep beneath a dusty pile of long-unused basic police training skills, a faint alarm had been activated. Fall waited. The alarm continued, soft but insistent."
Back visiting a vineyard in Maralee Valley in South Australia, for a rescheduled Christening a year after the disappearance of a women, Kim, whose baby was found, left in her pram at the annual food and wine festival. Financial federal investigator, Aaron Falk is on leave and visiting for the Christening of godson, Henry, son of old friend Greg and his wife Rita Raco, who is the stepcousin of Zara, the older daughter of Kim, who has still not been found. This year's festival includes an appeal for new information about Kim. Of course Kim's mental health is questioned and suicide is considered the most likely explanation, but Zara is convinced her mum wouldn't have done this and Raco and Falk are inclined to agree. Will they find out what happened to Kim and why?
The return of likeable Aaron Falk in the third in this Outback Noir crime fiction series that's so very readable, thanks to the author's skill and experience with her characters (some new and some recurring) and the rural setting. As determined Raco and moral Falk informally investigate and assist local cop, Dwyer, memories are tested and secrets are revealed. It's an immersive experience, the reader being presented with past and present narratives. As it all unravels towards the end and it became clear what had happened, I felt fear for Kim then sadness and anger. Outback Noir at it's best, I looked forward to the fourth book in the series.
Back visiting a vineyard in Maralee Valley in South Australia, for a rescheduled Christening a year after the disappearance of a women, Kim, whose baby was found, left in her pram at the annual food and wine festival. Financial federal investigator, Aaron Falk is on leave and visiting for the Christening of godson, Henry, son of old friend Greg and his wife Rita Raco, who is the stepcousin of Zara, the older daughter of Kim, who has still not been found. This year's festival includes an appeal for new information about Kim. Of course Kim's mental health is questioned and suicide is considered the most likely explanation, but Zara is convinced her mum wouldn't have done this and Raco and Falk are inclined to agree. Will they find out what happened to Kim and why?
The return of likeable Aaron Falk in the third in this Outback Noir crime fiction series that's so very readable, thanks to the author's skill and experience with her characters (some new and some recurring) and the rural setting. As determined Raco and moral Falk informally investigate and assist local cop, Dwyer, memories are tested and secrets are revealed. It's an immersive experience, the reader being presented with past and present narratives. As it all unravels towards the end and it became clear what had happened, I felt fear for Kim then sadness and anger. Outback Noir at it's best, I looked forward to the fourth book in the series.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Car accident
Minor: Suicide and Murder
Coercive relationship