Aaron Falk, a member of the Australian Federal Police, has taken a few days off to attend a christening in Marralee, a small town in rural South Australia. While visiting the annual food and wine festival he learns that Kim Gillespie, a friend of the family Aaron is visiting, has gone missing, leaving behind her sleeping baby in a pram. Footage from CCTV cameras at the two exits is viewed and the attendant at the emergency exit is questioned. There’s no record of Kim leaving the site.
Greg Raco, a member of the Victorian Police Force, Rob Dwyer, the local police sergeant and Aaron all decide to investigate. One of Kim’s shoes is found in the local reservoir, a short distance from where the festival is being held.With the help of Greg and the sergeant, Aaron begins to unravel the mystery. Underlying tensions, jealousies and past relationships are revealed. Unrequited love, questions of paternity, unreliable memories and outright lies intrigue.
Aaron, released for a short time from the heavy workload with the AFP back in Melbourne, is questioning his obsession with his career, the neglect of his family, and the absence of a significant other. He seriously considers whether it’s time for a change.
Jane Harper has written another whodunit in a rural setting. Its pace is measured; it’s not dark and depressing; and the interaction of the participants holds our interest. I have only one small gripe: there’s unnecessary repetition as each policeman analyses new evidence.
Reviewed by Clive Hodges
