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Book Review of The Survivors

The Survivors
susieqmillsacoustics avatar reviewed on + 1062 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2


Jane Harper is high on my list of favorite authors so I anticipate each new book released by her. I love the atmosphere of the little coastal Tasmanian town. And as always, she creates some interesting characters. This takes place in the present as our protagonist returns home for the first time in 12 years. The town was left reeling all those years ago following the destruction brought on by what everyone still refers to as "The Storm". There were lives lost and one young girl disappeared and was never seen again. Our protagonist has grown up and has a young baby but he lives with so much guilt over the events of that long ago day. Then a murder takes place as soon as he is back. The question is how the present murder and past disappearance might be connected. I did not feel this book really lived up to her previous books. I did enjoy the writing but I felt some things were a stretch. I couldn't really imagine the police sharing information in an ongoing investigation as much as they did. And our protagonist seemed a bit too good in many ways (for me anyway). I also think it was ridiculous that anyone blamed this kid for what happened that day. And the culprit's reasoning along with things that should have been brought out long before felt off for me. I love a good murder mystery but I didn't quite buy it. I still enjoy Harper's writing so much. While THE DRY was a rare near 5 star read for me and her others a strong 4. I felt this one was a 3.5. I will look forward to reading her next book.