Jeff Popple reviews three new Australian debut novels. More of Jeff’s reviews can be found on his blog: murdermayhemandlongdogs.com
The Banksia House Breakout by James Roxburgh
Ventura, $32.99
The past few years have seen a welcomed increase in books set in nursing homes and retirement villages with strong, sympathetic older characters. The latest is James Roxburgh’s charming debut The Banksia House Breakout. When energetic 81-year-old Ruth Morris is forced into a Sydney nursing home by her workaholic son, she soon misses her independence, and is unnerved by one of the male nurses. When she hears that her best friend Gladys is dying in Brisbane, she enlists the help of two other residents, and together they set off on an adventurous journey to Queensland. Good heart-warming fun.
Cutters End by Margaret Hickey
Penguin, $32.99
Established author Margaret Hickey makes her crime fiction debut with the nicely plotted Cutters End. Three decades ago, a burnt body was discovered in remote scrub off the Stuart Highway. The death was ruled an accident, but many people suspect it was murder, including a high-profile celebrity who is pushing for the case to be re-opened. Detective Mark Ariti is given the chance to resurrect his career and heads to the remote town of Cutters Bend to find out what really happened. A vividly described and engaging mystery, Cutters End excels in its credible characterisations and dusty locales. An entertaining crime debut.
The Curlew’s Eye by Karen Manton
Allen & Unwin, $32.99
Also set in a remote part of Australia is Karen Manton’s haunting Northern Territory drama, The Curlew’s Eye. Greta moves with her partner Joel and their three sons to a remote shack in the Top End. The plan is to fix up the family’s ruined property and build cabins for tourists. Greta hopes that it will be a place for them to settle down, but she soon has a sense of unease that is heightened by hostile neighbours, a toxic dam and a mysterious girl. As secrets from the past come to the surface, tensions quickly mount. An atmospheric, outback Gothic mystery.
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