Release date: January 10, 2017
Publisher: Flatiron Books
Genre: Mystery/Thriller
Blurb:
WHO REALLY KILLED THE HADLER FAMILY?
I just can’t understand how someone like him could do something like that.
Amid the worst drought to ravage Australia in a century, it hasn’t rained in small country town Kiewarra for two years. Tensions in the community become unbearable when three members of the Hadler family are brutally murdered. Everyone thinks Luke Hadler, who committed suicide after slaughtering his wife and six-year-old son, is guilty.
Policeman Aaron Falk returns to the town of his youth for the funeral of his childhood best friend, and is unwillingly drawn into the investigation. As questions mount and suspicion spreads through the town, Falk is forced to confront the community that rejected him twenty years earlier. Because Falk and Luke Hadler shared a secret, one which Luke’s death threatens to unearth. And as Falk probes deeper into the killings, secrets from his past and why he left home bubble to the surface as he questions the truth of his friend’s crime.
Review:
I’m joining in again with Throwback Thursday which was created by my good friend Renee at It’s Book Talk . She started this weekly feature as a way to highlight old favorites and read books that have already been published. I have so many older books on my TBR that get ignored in favor of review copies and I figure participating in Throwback Thursday will help me to read at a least one older title a week!
The Dry was one of those super hyped books that I resisted reading, why? Who knows, sometimes I’m stubborn just for the sake of being stubborn, but when I realized the second book in this series was being released soon I figured that is was beyond time for me to grab this off of mount TBR and get reading. I’m extremely glad I did as it now has a firm spot in my favorite reads from this year, and though I’ve seen mixed reviews for book two I’ll definitely be reading it ASAP.
What can I really say about this stunning debut that hasn’t already been said? Probably nothing new so I’ll keep this brief. This follows Falk who returns to his small hometown after his childhood friend Luke and most of his family die in an awful tragedy. I can’t not mention the outstanding setting of Kiewarra, there is such a strong sense of place, Harper really brought this bitter, angry, stifling hot town to life. The plot was twisty but not just for the sake of throwing twists in for the hell of it, it was intricate and extremely smart and I truly had no idea what would happen next. Falk was the type of lead that I can easily see being able to carry a successful series and I can’t wait to learn more about him. If for some reason you haven’t read this one and are a fan of mysteries you really must, it’s excellent and Harper is a gifted writer, one that I’ll be following closely.
Overall rating: 5/5
I’m so glad you loved this too! 😍🤗
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Have you read the second book yet?
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Nope it’s been sitting here staring at me since September 🤣 hopefully ASAP!
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Haha of course it has 😘
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I’m seeing this one ever-ee-where!! I’m late to the party, as usual but hope to read it soon.
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You should definitely try and squeeze it in!
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I suspected you would love this so I’m happy to hear you did!! Definitely one of the best mystery debuts of the last few years I think. Can’t wait to chat with you about Force of Nature
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You didn’t love Forces did you? And yes you never steer me wrong 😘
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No I didn’t and I’m so curious to hear what you think, especially since you just finished The Dry!! I gave my copy to my mom so if you don’t have one I can send to you when she’s done:)
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That would be awesome as I was declined on Netgalley 😭👎
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No fair!! My request is actually still pending but I had emailed Flatiron for a print copy as well. It’s coming your way as soon as my mom finishes:)
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Yay thanks so much!
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I can’t believe this is a TBT book already! I feel like it was just released!! 😂
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I’m a TBT cheater 😂 I’ve been doing books that are only like a month or two old
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😂🤣😂
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It’s my only hope of getting caught up haha
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Haha I get it!
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Such a good book, loved the ending 🙂
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Reblogged this on Author Don Massenzio and commented:
Check out the book, The Dry, by Jane Harper, as featured on the Novel Gossip blog.
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