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MYST HAR
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Publication
Flatiron Books (2023), 368 pages
Description
"New York Times bestselling author Jane Harper is back with a new mystery featuring Aaron Falk, the detective from the bestseller and major motion picture The Dry. At a busy festival site on a warm spring night, a baby lies alone in her stroller, her mother vanishing into the crowds. A year on, Kim Gillespie's absence casts a long shadow as her friends and loved ones gather deep in the heart of South Australian wine country to welcome a new addition to the family. Joining the celebrations is federal investigator Aaron Falk. But as he soaks up life in the lush valley, he begins to suspect this tight-knit group may be more fractured than it seems. Between Falk's closest friend, a missing mother, and a woman he's drawn to, dark questions linger as long-ago truths begin to emerge"--… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member Kathl33n
I would say this is very much a character driven book, with the action definitely on the slower side, but the plot really packs a punch. Personally I like a bit more goings-on in my reads, but the author's writing is impeccable and kept me entirely engaged, with a tone that gave me the ever present
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feels of a dark undercurrent and a bombshell secret getting ready to drop at any moment. That feeling alone was reason enough to have enjoyed this read, but the actual plot was executed brilliantly. Twice I thought a small sentence or two had given the plot away and twice I was completely wrong. This was a total page turner. Many thanks to Netgalley and Flatiron Books for allowing me to read an advanced copy and provide my honest opinion. Show Less
LibraryThing member bfister
Aaron Falk joins his law enforcement pal Greg Raco in a lush vinyard-filled valley to become a godparent to his child - for a second time. When the christening was originally scheduled, also during an annual food and wine festival, the event was canceled after Raco's brother's ex-wife disappeared,
As usual, Jane Harper weaves a dense story rich in character development. relying on interpersonal relationships and small-town intrigue to carry the plot rather than dramatic action. I found the first chapters confusing as they introduced a number of characters and switched between the events of the previous year and the current situation, but once I sorted out who was who and what happened when it was smooth sailing, though frankly rather slow, at least in the first half of the book. The trick with Harper is to relax, slow down, and let the story surround you.
Those looking for a thriller should look elsewhere, but if character development is your thing, this slow burn of a mystery, one that introduces the armchair traveler to yet another side of Australia's geography, will fit the bill.
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leaving an infant behind in a stroller parked beside the fair entrance. A year later, authorities suspect she drowned herself, a victim of post-natal depression. But her teenage daughter from her first relationship isn't convinced and has prepared an appeal for more information to be held at the festival. Did anyone see anything last year when the woman abandoned her child and vanished? Aaron, a federal police officer, can't help being drawn in. As usual, Jane Harper weaves a dense story rich in character development. relying on interpersonal relationships and small-town intrigue to carry the plot rather than dramatic action. I found the first chapters confusing as they introduced a number of characters and switched between the events of the previous year and the current situation, but once I sorted out who was who and what happened when it was smooth sailing, though frankly rather slow, at least in the first half of the book. The trick with Harper is to relax, slow down, and let the story surround you.
Those looking for a thriller should look elsewhere, but if character development is your thing, this slow burn of a mystery, one that introduces the armchair traveler to yet another side of Australia's geography, will fit the bill.
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LibraryThing member pgchuis
I received a copy of this audiobook from the publisher via NetGalley.
Perhaps because I was listening to the audiobook and couldn't go at my own speed, I found this extremely slow. The prologue was fantastic and really drew me in, but then nothing happened for two thirds of the book. The romance
Perhaps because I was listening to the audiobook and couldn't go at my own speed, I found this extremely slow. The prologue was fantastic and really drew me in, but then nothing happened for two thirds of the book. The romance
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between Gemma and Aaron was sweet, but not exactly what I go to crime fiction for. The resolution of the two mysteries made sense and had been clued fairly, but the story sort of meandered its way there. Show Less
LibraryThing member Amzzz
Did not pick the resolution for either crime! An interesting way to wrap up the Falk series.
LibraryThing member smik
Kim Gillespie disappeared a year earlier, on the opening night of the wine festival, and so the investigation now has a cold case feel about. However her daughter Zara is convinced her mother is still alive.
There has been some talk of whether Kim committed suicide, jumping into a local dam, an
Pamphlets are distributed at the wine festival asking people to think about when they last saw Kim on the night that she disappeared.
A second element is the death of a popular local accountant in a hit and run case six years earlier. Aaron Falk finds himself drawn into both cases.
This novel has a surprisingly gentle feel to it, and events seem to move very slowly, yet we know we will have the answer at the end. The setting is "South Australian wine country" and that has caused discussion in our group about exactly where.
A good one for "overseas" readers. It has a truly Australian flavour about it.
There has been some talk of whether Kim committed suicide, jumping into a local dam, an
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effect of some mental health issues. But those who know her best think that would be unlikely, although everybody agrees that they haven't actually seen Kim to talk to since her baby was born.Pamphlets are distributed at the wine festival asking people to think about when they last saw Kim on the night that she disappeared.
A second element is the death of a popular local accountant in a hit and run case six years earlier. Aaron Falk finds himself drawn into both cases.
This novel has a surprisingly gentle feel to it, and events seem to move very slowly, yet we know we will have the answer at the end. The setting is "South Australian wine country" and that has caused discussion in our group about exactly where.
A good one for "overseas" readers. It has a truly Australian flavour about it.
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LibraryThing member jetangen4571
cold-case, wine-country, Australia, Australian-author, law-enforcement, series, thriller, due-diligence, mystery, small-town, relationships, domestic-violence, disappearance *****
The woman disappeared from a festival over a year ago and the investigation hit a dead end. While in the area, Falk (a
I'm glad that voice actor Stephen Shanahan was chosen as narrator because his speech is clear, and he works hard to differentiate the multiplicity of characters
I requested and received a free temporary audiobook from Macmillan Audio via NetGalley. Thank you!
The woman disappeared from a festival over a year ago and the investigation hit a dead end. While in the area, Falk (a
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federal investigator) and his pal are intrigued and set out to dig deep into the personal aspects of this case (and another as well) with meticulous due diligence. The publisher's blurb was a good hook and reeled me in sharply. This is a good read that had me doing awful household tasks just so I had an excuse to listen to this book!I'm glad that voice actor Stephen Shanahan was chosen as narrator because his speech is clear, and he works hard to differentiate the multiplicity of characters
I requested and received a free temporary audiobook from Macmillan Audio via NetGalley. Thank you!
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LibraryThing member jmoura01
Jane Harper does it again! This time Federal Investigator, Aaron Falk, heads south to Australia’s wine country to celebrate his new Godson and visit with family and friends. While there, his interest is peaked by two deaths that occurred a year earlier during the annual wine festival. One, an
This book is the third featuring the handsome investigator, but it could easily be a standalone. It was slow burn, for sure, but the wonderful narration by Stephen Shanahan held my interest right up to the end.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for this ARC.
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unsolved hit and run and another, the disappearance and suspected suicide of a local mother who left her baby unattended at the fair. This book is the third featuring the handsome investigator, but it could easily be a standalone. It was slow burn, for sure, but the wonderful narration by Stephen Shanahan held my interest right up to the end.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for this ARC.
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LibraryThing member cathyskye
Although Exiles unfolds very slowly, I was completely drawn in by the story. However, that's no real surprise because Jane Harper has a tendency to do that to me. It takes time for Aaron Falk to become enmeshed in the close-knit circle of missing woman Kim Gillespie's family and friends. And
Everyone has a story. Everyone has an opinion of both Kim herself and what would make her simply disappear into thin air. Kim's teenage daughter Zara's battle to learn what happened to her mother is poignant, laced as it is with both a child's heartbreak and teenage obstinate prickliness. Moreover, Falk learns that Zara's friend Joel has also lost a parent under rather mysterious circumstances. And while Falk searches for answers, he's also finding good reason to re-evaluate his own life, both personally and professionally.
Exiles is just the sort of mystery character-driven readers are going to love. Personal histories. Emotions. Motivations. Evasions. Harper's red herrings are superb. Not only was I led down the wrong garden path, but I also discovered that I wasn't even in the right garden.
For those of you who haven't read one of Jane Harper's books, I urge you to rectify your oversight. Exiles may be the third book featuring Aaron Falk, but it does well as a standalone. Get yourself a copy and dive right into a marvelous tale.
(Review copy courtesy of the publisher and Net Galley)
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they're a very welcoming bunch-- especially since Falk is to be the godfather of the newest little addition to the group.Everyone has a story. Everyone has an opinion of both Kim herself and what would make her simply disappear into thin air. Kim's teenage daughter Zara's battle to learn what happened to her mother is poignant, laced as it is with both a child's heartbreak and teenage obstinate prickliness. Moreover, Falk learns that Zara's friend Joel has also lost a parent under rather mysterious circumstances. And while Falk searches for answers, he's also finding good reason to re-evaluate his own life, both personally and professionally.
Exiles is just the sort of mystery character-driven readers are going to love. Personal histories. Emotions. Motivations. Evasions. Harper's red herrings are superb. Not only was I led down the wrong garden path, but I also discovered that I wasn't even in the right garden.
For those of you who haven't read one of Jane Harper's books, I urge you to rectify your oversight. Exiles may be the third book featuring Aaron Falk, but it does well as a standalone. Get yourself a copy and dive right into a marvelous tale.
(Review copy courtesy of the publisher and Net Galley)
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LibraryThing member snora
Exiled happily with Jane Harper
Exiles by Jane Harper is a solid mystery featuring Aaron Falk, a character the reader might recognize from two previous books. This thriller involves a woman who has mysteriously disappeared at a busy festival. Falk and friends dig into this mystery a year later at
The small town setting in Australia is essential as it allows for close friendships among the townspeople. The family Falk visits is warm and close knit. Falk fits in as his character develops. Jane Harper weaves a suspenseful plot in straight-forward language. I did have a problem with her many transitions from past to present events. They often seemed a bit clumsy and confusing. All in all, Exiles is a great read if you enjoy well developed mysteries with with fully drawn characters - I do.
Exiles by Jane Harper is a solid mystery featuring Aaron Falk, a character the reader might recognize from two previous books. This thriller involves a woman who has mysteriously disappeared at a busy festival. Falk and friends dig into this mystery a year later at
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the same festival. The exciting plot developed slowly and I did not guess the resolution until nearly the end of the book.The small town setting in Australia is essential as it allows for close friendships among the townspeople. The family Falk visits is warm and close knit. Falk fits in as his character develops. Jane Harper weaves a suspenseful plot in straight-forward language. I did have a problem with her many transitions from past to present events. They often seemed a bit clumsy and confusing. All in all, Exiles is a great read if you enjoy well developed mysteries with with fully drawn characters - I do.
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LibraryThing member diana.hauser
Exiles is written by Australian author Jane Harper.
Exiles is Ms. Harper’s 5th book and is the 3rd title featuring Federal Investigator Aaron Falk.
Other titles include The Dry, Force of Nature, The Lost Man and Survivors.
Federal Investigator, Aaron Falk, is on his way to a small town deep in
Ms. Harper’s books are very character-driven and have an extremely strong ‘sense of place’. Australia comes alive in her writing.
Exiles is tense, suspenseful and atmospheric. It is a ‘crime’ story; a mystery; a very emotional, ‘human’ drama.
Excellent *****
Exiles is Ms. Harper’s 5th book and is the 3rd title featuring Federal Investigator Aaron Falk.
Other titles include The Dry, Force of Nature, The Lost Man and Survivors.
Federal Investigator, Aaron Falk, is on his way to a small town deep in
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southern Australia’s wine country for the christening of an old friend’s baby, but mystery and drama follow him even on vacation.Ms. Harper’s books are very character-driven and have an extremely strong ‘sense of place’. Australia comes alive in her writing.
Exiles is tense, suspenseful and atmospheric. It is a ‘crime’ story; a mystery; a very emotional, ‘human’ drama.
Excellent *****
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LibraryThing member techeditor
EXILES is further proof of Jane Harper’s writing skills. Here is another of her literate mysteries/thrillers. This book will grab you from page 1.
Aaron Falk is again the main character when he visits his friends the Racos to be their son’s godfather. While he spends a week in this small
Kim, the ex-wife of one of the Raco brothers, since remarried, has been missing for a year. Most presume that she is dead. Falk looks into this case at the insistence of his friend’s niece.
Another case, now six years old, involves the dead husband of a woman he meets there. Her stepson still wants to find the hit-and-run driver who killed him.
I’ve read all of Harper’s books and anxiously await her next one. But I heard her say that she is dropping Aaron Falk as a recurring character. I hope she changes her mind, and I think she might. She seems to have made an opening so she can bring him back if she wants to.
Aaron Falk is again the main character when he visits his friends the Racos to be their son’s godfather. While he spends a week in this small
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Australian town, he solves two mysteries. Kim, the ex-wife of one of the Raco brothers, since remarried, has been missing for a year. Most presume that she is dead. Falk looks into this case at the insistence of his friend’s niece.
Another case, now six years old, involves the dead husband of a woman he meets there. Her stepson still wants to find the hit-and-run driver who killed him.
I’ve read all of Harper’s books and anxiously await her next one. But I heard her say that she is dropping Aaron Falk as a recurring character. I hope she changes her mind, and I think she might. She seems to have made an opening so she can bring him back if she wants to.
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LibraryThing member EdGoldberg
Too lazy to write my own summary.
At a busy festival site on a warm spring night, a baby lies alone in her pram, her mother vanishing into the crowds. A year on, Kim Gillespies' absence casts a long shadow as her friends and loved ones gather deep in the heart of South Australian wine country to
This is an easy going mystery...more family saga than mystery. It's an easy read and a good plot so it kept my interest. Is it Jane Harper's best? I don't think so, but still worth the read.
At a busy festival site on a warm spring night, a baby lies alone in her pram, her mother vanishing into the crowds. A year on, Kim Gillespies' absence casts a long shadow as her friends and loved ones gather deep in the heart of South Australian wine country to
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welcome a new addition to the family. Joining the celebrations is federal investigator Aaron Falk. But as he soaks up life in the lush valley, he begins to suspect this tight-knit group may be more fractured than it seems. Between Falk's closest friend, a missing mother, and a woman he's drawn to, dark questions linger as long-ago truths begin to emerge.This is an easy going mystery...more family saga than mystery. It's an easy read and a good plot so it kept my interest. Is it Jane Harper's best? I don't think so, but still worth the read.
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LibraryThing member tibobi
The Short of It:
This is a light, enjoyable mystery.
The Rest of It:
Federal Investigator Aaron Falk is on his way to a small town deep in Southern Australian wine country for the christening of an old friend’s baby. But mystery follows him, even on vacation. ~ Indiebound
In this mystery, the baby
As the family gathers for the child’s christening, they decide to use the time together to try to re-enact what happened that night. They are all desperate for answers and something feels off to Falk. The memories from a year ago are vague but as they all talk through that night, new details come to light.
This is a sleepy little mystery. It’s not fast paced but the characters are likable and the setting of a wine festival was rather enjoyable. I’ve read one other book where Investigator Falk was featured and it was quite enjoyable as well. I’d say that there aren’t any big revelations in this one, but somehow it all comes together nicely. I liked it.
For more reviews, visit my blog: Book Chatter.
This is a light, enjoyable mystery.
The Rest of It:
Federal Investigator Aaron Falk is on his way to a small town deep in Southern Australian wine country for the christening of an old friend’s baby. But mystery follows him, even on vacation. ~ Indiebound
In this mystery, the baby
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doesn’t go missing, but her mother does. As Investigator Falk is visiting with friends one year after the disappearance, the details of Kim’s disappearance continue to plague both Falk and those who knew Kim, particularly her grown daughter. Kim would never leave the baby like that, parked in stroller at a summer festival, unsupervised and alone. It was completely out of character for her, and yet no one witnessed anything or can remember seeing her that night.As the family gathers for the child’s christening, they decide to use the time together to try to re-enact what happened that night. They are all desperate for answers and something feels off to Falk. The memories from a year ago are vague but as they all talk through that night, new details come to light.
This is a sleepy little mystery. It’s not fast paced but the characters are likable and the setting of a wine festival was rather enjoyable. I’ve read one other book where Investigator Falk was featured and it was quite enjoyable as well. I’d say that there aren’t any big revelations in this one, but somehow it all comes together nicely. I liked it.
For more reviews, visit my blog: Book Chatter.
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LibraryThing member froxgirl
Harper's third book featuring awkward Aussie federal investigator Aaron Falk is her best yet. It's set in Maralee, a winegrowing area, where Falk's best friends Raco and Rita have asked him to be godfather to their son. He becomes wrapped up in a disappearance and a hit and run accident within a
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very tight-knit group of friends, occurring years apart. As an outsider, he tries to sniff out what Raco and the area police commander may have missed, but since he was at the fairground when Kim Gillespie vanished, he feels partially responsible for not being able to corral his "spidey senses" into solving that crime. When Aaron falls in love with Gemma, the widow of Dean, the hit-and-run victim, he feels the pressure even more keenly. Harper's usual style is to gently push the reader towards McGuffins and red herrings while unwrapping layers of evidence, with two surprising outcomes. I dare you to say you saw them coming! This is the type of novel that makes other activities in your life seem wholly superfluous. Show Less
LibraryThing member waldhaus1
A mystery entangled with small town relationships. Falk gets involved with two puzzles: the disappearance of a young woman on a trail near an Australian reservoir. Did she fall and drown? An accountants death due to hit and run in the same spot. Understanding the people is more important than
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solving the riddle or perhaps the riddle is the relationships. It it’s a wine producing area and the story begins with Wine fair. Show Less
LibraryThing member bookappeal
Aaron Falk returns to the small wine and farming town where his best friends live to become godfather to their son. The ceremony was supposed to be held one year ago but, the night before, a woman who used to be a close friend of the family disappeared at a festival, leaving her baby in a stroller
Jane Harper's carefully and cleverly plotted mystery is peppered with subtle red herrings that make it even more intriguing. One part of the story, while certainly believable, is revealed so suddenly that it doesn't ring as true as the rest but, overall, The Exiles is a compelling and smart mystery. Aaron is a calm and likable protagonist and, though it's gratifying to see his character fleshed out over several novels, this book is satisfying as a standalone.
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on the festival grounds. Only her shoe is found at the end of the reservoir. Now, the woman's teenage daughter still refuses to believe her mother killed herself and keeps picking at the details of that night to find answers. Aaron is welcomed by his friends' extended family and finds the community to be caring. The scenery is breathtaking. But he also sense some rifts, tensions, and false notes surrounding the woman's disappearance. Jane Harper's carefully and cleverly plotted mystery is peppered with subtle red herrings that make it even more intriguing. One part of the story, while certainly believable, is revealed so suddenly that it doesn't ring as true as the rest but, overall, The Exiles is a compelling and smart mystery. Aaron is a calm and likable protagonist and, though it's gratifying to see his character fleshed out over several novels, this book is satisfying as a standalone.
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LibraryThing member infjsarah
Very enjoyable. I enjoyed this more than The Survivors but it didn't quite reach the heights of The Dry. I struggled especially at first to remember who was who because there are so many people in the story. But it got better and I didn't see the solution (even though the clues are there).
LibraryThing member shazjhb
Excellent book. So clever and lovely people. I wonder if this is Adam’s last book. He is such a great character would like more books.
LibraryThing member zmagic69
Quite possibly this authors best book…so far.
What would compel a new mother to leave her new baby at a festival in her hometown and then disappear?
This book has it all. Intricate childhood friendships. Not one but two mysteries. And a story so we’ll told you don’t want the book to end.
If you
Another nice thing about this authors books is that while they take place in Australia you don’t need a deep understanding of Australian slang or geography to know what is being described.
This is an excellent book!
What would compel a new mother to leave her new baby at a festival in her hometown and then disappear?
This book has it all. Intricate childhood friendships. Not one but two mysteries. And a story so we’ll told you don’t want the book to end.
If you
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haven’t read Jane Harpers books, start with her first book The Dry. You will see how a story doesn’t need a lot going on to keep you glued to the book. As a reader you constantly shift back and forth about who is behind the mystery being told.Another nice thing about this authors books is that while they take place in Australia you don’t need a deep understanding of Australian slang or geography to know what is being described.
This is an excellent book!
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LibraryThing member pamelad
Exiles is the third Aaron Falk book. He's in the wine country of South Australia, staying at the Raco family vineyard. Falk is the godfather to the son of his colleague Greg Raco, the local policeman who was introduced in The Dry and who, with his wife Rita, is now Falk's close friend. The baby's
Exiles was slow and dull. It's longer than it needs to be because of the sloppy writing.
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baptism was postponed for a year because of the disappearance of Kim, the ex-partner of Greg's brother Charlie Raco, and mother to Greg's teenaged daughter Zara. Falk is drawn into the investigation of both Kim's disappearance and another older crime, the hit-run death of a local accountant, father to a friend of Zara and husband of a woman Falk is keen on.Exiles was slow and dull. It's longer than it needs to be because of the sloppy writing.
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LibraryThing member Spencer28
A captivating and atmospheric listen! The narrator can make or break an audiobook, and Stephen Shanahan was a wonderful choice to read Aaron Falk's last outing. After a missing person's case caused the postponement of his godson's christening, Aaron is back in town for the re-scheduled event a year
Thanks to Macmillan Audio for access to an ALC on NetGalley.
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later. While on a rare break from his typical workaholic tendencies as a Federal investigator in Melbourne, Falk has time to consider the nature of families and love as he gets pulled into two cold cases. Loved this and highly recommend it!Thanks to Macmillan Audio for access to an ALC on NetGalley.
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LibraryThing member bookworm12
I have loved each of Harper’s novels, but I struggled with this one. It was so slow at the start, but a friend recommended I stick with it, and I’m so glad I did! The repetition and lack of momentum was worth it in the end! Around the halfway point I was hooked and her incredible character
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development made a missing woman story fascinating. I love the way Falk’s brain works and how his story unfolded. I also loved how a hit-and-run accident from six years earlier was layered into the story. The fabric of the small town is so tightly woven together. Now I want to go back and reread the first book: The Dry. Show Less
LibraryThing member tottman
If Exiles is indeed the last Aaron Falk book from Jane Harper, then she's thrown him a hell of a going away party.
Falk returns to Marralee at the invitation of Greg Raco, a close friend of his. Maralee is the site of a popular food and wine festival. Falk is to be the godfather to Raco's child.
Falk agrees to look into Kim's case at the urging of her teenage daughter, Zara, who hopes to use the festival to turn up new clues to her mother's disappearance. Falk learns that the festival and reservoir site is also the location of an unsolved hit-and-run six years earlier that resulted in the death of Dean Tozer.
Falk's investigation reveals the relationships between Kim and her friends who grew up in Maralee, as well as some things that have bubbled beneath the surface for a long time. Falk also reconnects with a woman from Maralee whom he met and shared a strong attraction with when she visited Melbourne. Falk's methodical examination takes him deeper into these people's lives. His investigation will open old wounds as well as create new ones if the truth about what happened to Kim is to be discovered.
Harper excels at evoking a strong sense of place that makes you feel not only that you've seen this part of Australia, but that you know it. She creates a sense of foreboding as characters you grow to like are living with grief and guilt. As the truth is slowly uncovered you experience the tragedy and its inevitability. Nobody evokes pathos better than her.
Jane Harper is Australia's version of Cormac McCarthy. Her novels greatly evoke time and place and her characters are so real that you ache with them. If this is truly where we leave Aaron Falk, then I am filled with both melancholy and happiness for him. Exiles is one of the best books of the year and another in a string of great books from Harper.
I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher.
Falk returns to Marralee at the invitation of Greg Raco, a close friend of his. Maralee is the site of a popular food and wine festival. Falk is to be the godfather to Raco's child.
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Falk had been there a year earlier when 39-year-old Kim Gillespie disappeared, leaving behind her infant daughter in a stroller. No trace of Kim was ever found except for her shoe which was discovered in a nearby reservoir, leading some to believe she killed herself. Falk agrees to look into Kim's case at the urging of her teenage daughter, Zara, who hopes to use the festival to turn up new clues to her mother's disappearance. Falk learns that the festival and reservoir site is also the location of an unsolved hit-and-run six years earlier that resulted in the death of Dean Tozer.
Falk's investigation reveals the relationships between Kim and her friends who grew up in Maralee, as well as some things that have bubbled beneath the surface for a long time. Falk also reconnects with a woman from Maralee whom he met and shared a strong attraction with when she visited Melbourne. Falk's methodical examination takes him deeper into these people's lives. His investigation will open old wounds as well as create new ones if the truth about what happened to Kim is to be discovered.
Harper excels at evoking a strong sense of place that makes you feel not only that you've seen this part of Australia, but that you know it. She creates a sense of foreboding as characters you grow to like are living with grief and guilt. As the truth is slowly uncovered you experience the tragedy and its inevitability. Nobody evokes pathos better than her.
Jane Harper is Australia's version of Cormac McCarthy. Her novels greatly evoke time and place and her characters are so real that you ache with them. If this is truly where we leave Aaron Falk, then I am filled with both melancholy and happiness for him. Exiles is one of the best books of the year and another in a string of great books from Harper.
I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher.
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LibraryThing member ccayne
A character driven procedural with plenty of backstory among the characters. There is also a bit of romance and a strong sense of place. Well written and paced with plenty of surprises.
LibraryThing member lauralkeet
Aaron Falk, a police officer in Melbourne, travels to a small town in wine country to visit friends Greg Raco and his wife Rita, and attend the annual wine festival in which the Raco’s family wine business plays a large role. The festival marks the one-year anniversary of an incident in which
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Kim, a Raco family friend, left her 6-week-old baby in a stroller at the festival, and disappeared without a trace. Falk was present, but not involved in the investigation. While this visit is also purely social, he can’t help asking questions and his fresh perspective ultimately sheds new light on the case. Jane Harper exposes the flaws in almost every character; it seemed like any one of them could have been responsible for Kim’s disappearance. There’s also a parallel storyline about Falk’s personal and professional life. All of these loose ends ultimately come together in a satisfying way. This is the third novel featuring Aaron Falk, and I hope it's not the last. Show Less
Awards
Ned Kelly Award (Winner — Crime Fiction — 2023)
Danger Awards (Shortlist — Fiction — 2023)
LibraryReads (Monthly Pick — Hall of Fame — January 2023)
Pages
368
ISBN
1250235359 / 9781250235350