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Writer's pictureSara Francis

The Dry - Jane Harper [Book Review]



The Dry by Jane Harper


Rating: FIVE STARS 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

For the first time in a long time, I read a book that I just couldn’t put down. The Dry by Jane Harper had exceeded my expectations. It started out as a blind date, me picking a sealed brown package from B&N. Now, it is high on my book recommendation list.


Federal Agent Aaron Falk returns to his hometown, Kiewarra, Australia after 20 years to attend the funeral of his best friend and his family. The moment he shows up, he is unwelcomed. He was seen as responsible for the death of a young girl when he was back in high school...a tragedy that was never put to rest. He doesn’t plan to stay too long, but the realization that there is more to his friend’s death than meets the eye prevents him from leaving the drought-ridden land.


The Dry is a crime, mystery novel that always keeps you guessing. Every page you learn about a new secret or a forgotten memory. The pace is steady and each chapter progresses the story. Every line has a purpose; if you don’t pay close attention, you’ll miss the clues. The ending was a sort of a surprise. The way the story was going was too predictable; I knew there had to be a catch. A hidden player, you may say. But Harper was very discreet with her clues so the reader would be just as surprised when the answer was revealed.


Harper’s writing style is excellent. Her descriptions are simple yet efficient. The profanity and suggestive scenes in the book were moderate. The flow of the storyline was perfect; there was never a lull. The book ended with satisfaction. All questions I had while reading the book were answered at the end. There was only one question that was never answered for me which was if there was final justice for Ellie Deacon and Aaron Falk. That still remains a mystery.


In the end, I give The Dry by Jane Harper 5/5 stars for an excellent plot, brilliant writing, and a great mystery. This is my favorite genre of books and so far this is my number one modern mystery tale. I recommend it to all lovers of crime and mystery. It is a read that won’t disappoint.

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