Continuing my quest of reading Tasmanian crime fiction and mysteries.

What to Expect

Expect a psychological thriller set rural Tasmania, in a fictional village that feels true to real life. A husband comes home late at night to find the front door open and everything in place except his wife which seems to have gone inexplicably missing. The novel then goes back a week, where we get to know – and slowly change our minds – about the people of the novel. The story continues for ten days after the disappearance, which secrets unfolding and tempers rising until the crime is resolved.

What I liked

It’s a well written thriller, focusing on the different points of view and internal realities of the personalities involved. The setting is very atmospheric in a Tasmanian Gothic style, and the depiction of rural life – both historical and modern – is faithful to reality.

What to be aware of

The novel is off to a slow start, taking its time to build up the events and personalities around town in the week leading to the disappearance. Past that point the pace picks up a bit.

Also note that there are depiction of drug abuse and hints at sexual abuse, but then this is a crime fiction/murder mystery, which never shy away from the ugly underbelly of life.

Felix’s and Jack’s Reviews

Felix called out the culprit about half way through the novel, claiming it was fairly obvious. Jack, meanwhile, bemoaned the trope of incompetent / corrupt police. Other than that they found the novel very readable.

Summary

If you enjoy Gothic psychological thrillers, with a focus on the biased viewpoint of each character, this will be an enjoyable read.

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Enjoying the reviews, but wondering who the heck are those Felix and Jack fellows? Glad you asked! Felix is the protagonist of the Togas, Daggers, and Magic series, an historical-fantasy blend of a paranormal detective on the background of ancient Rome, and Jack is the police detective running the Unusual Crimes Squad, dealing in occult crimes in modern-day Australia.

Come meet Felix and Jack on the free short stories and novels!