“The Dry” by Jane Harper

Talk about a page turner. “The Dry” follows Officer Aaron Falk as he returns to his hometown for Luke’s funeral, his childhood best friend. Circumstances around his friend’s death couldn’t be more horrific and Aaron’s countdown until he can leave Kiewarra begins the minute he steps foot back in the town. He has a complicated history there and ghosts he would rather not run into. Luke’s parents don’t believe what the city police said happened inside Luke’s home the night he and his family died. Gerry and Barb beg Aaron to stay in town to see if he can help uncover the truth. Set in a small Australian farming town during a severe drought the residents of Kiewarra are a powder keg of emotions waiting to go off. The author gives the reader just enough information to keep you guessing as to what really happened to the Hadler family. I’m usually able to figure out the ending of “who-done-its” fairly early on but Jane Harper did a great job not giving it away. Her smooth transitions between chapters keeps the story flowing and keeps the reader wanting more. This was a great read.

Pick up a copy of “The Dry” here.