Monday, January 30, 2023

Exiles by Jane Harper

 
First Lines: Think back. The signs were there. What were they?
 
When federal investigator Aaron Falk arrives in a small town deep in the southern Australian wine country, he's all set to assume godparent duties for his friend's baby. It doesn't take him long to understand that he's needed for more than that.
 
This marks the one-year anniversary of Kim Gillespie's disappearance. One year ago in the midst of the teeming crowds of a popular annual festival, Kim tucked her baby safely into her stroller, then left it behind-- disappearing into the crowd to never be seen again.
 
Kim's teenage daughter Zara is convinced that someone knows something about her mother's disappearance and puts out a call for information during this year's festival. Aaron and his old buddy Raco find that they can't leave the case alone.
 
Falk is welcomed into the close-knit circle of Kim's family and friends, and questions begin to arise as hidden truths begin to emerge. This vacationing police officer is determined to find out what made a devoted mother abandon her baby. What really happened to Kim Gillespie?
~
 
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 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.

Exiles by Jane Harper
eISBN: 9781250874863
Flatiron Books © 2023
eBook, 320 pages
 
Police Procedural, #3 Aaron Falk
Rating: A
Source: Net Galley

19 comments:

  1. Yippee. So glad you gave it an A and such a superb review. I am awaiting a copy as a gift from my generous fairy godfather bro-in-law. It is supposed to arrive at the end of February. I'll toss everything aside to read this book. Nothing like a good mystery written by Jane Harper. This made my evening.

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  2. I'm so glad you liked this so well, Cathy. The one comment you made that really resonated with me is Harper's ability to draw the reader into the story, even if it's gradually. You can't help getting hooked on the characters, the setting, the whole thing; her writing is that inviting.

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  3. I am almost done with this one. It's pretty good. It's been pleasant to go back to each time I pick it up.

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    1. Yes, I found myself trying to put all the clues together when I was doing other things.

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  4. I have missed Aaron Falk and am delighted that Jane Harper will let us visit him one more time. Think she's said this will be his last, but who knows? Anyway, I got it this morning and will be happily reading it soon. Nice review, by the way.

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    1. I wouldn't be at all surprised if this is his last appearance, simply by how the book ends.

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  5. I have had Jane Harper on my TBR and need to get to her books. I think I would like Aaron Falk, especially when you mentioned he is willing to re-evaluate his life. I appreciate characters who are willing to do that and enjoy walking along with them in that process.

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    1. I really think you would enjoy Harper's books, Gretchen.

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  6. Another author I have yet to read! My TBR list grows and grows and grows.... ;D

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    1. So does mine-- and you've been to blame a few times, you know! LOL

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  7. A new Jane Harper to look forward to. Excellent news!

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  8. I already have this on my list, so your review makes me all the more eager to read it - it's past time for me to have another visit to Oz!

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    1. Yes. I always like visiting Australia with Jane Harper.

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  9. I got the impression from Jane Harper's comments at the PP that she feels freer in her writing standalones. Then no one person has to survive at the end, and anything can happen. Barbara complimented her on the ending of The Lost Man, which I think is a superb book. And I agree on the denouement being a surprise, but understandable if one thinks through the plot development.

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    1. I think The Lost Man is wonderful, too. And I can see Harper's point about writing standalones. It makes sense.

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  10. Google wrangling again. One of the things I like about The Lost Man is the sympathy toward women and what they have to cope with. How a mystery can be socially relevant and raise issues within its plot is something that needs to be done carefully and Jane Harper does it.

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