A review by asourceoffiction
The Dry by Jane Harper

adventurous challenging dark emotional sad fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I found this really surprising - I was expecting something dark and twisty, and it didn't disappoint, but it was also incredibly human. Seeing the bleakness of a town in the grip of drought and the way it changes the inhabitants' behaviour was a huge part of the story, and gave it a sensitivity I haven't often found in a thriller.

I was immediately invested in the mystery of the Hadlers' deaths (thanks to a brilliantly atmospheric prologue!), and was constantly trying to guess the truth, along with the connection to Luke and Aaron's tragic past. There were elements I half predicted but I was second guessing right to the end.

This is a fantastic debut; gripping, frustrating and emotional.
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