The Survivors by Jane Harper

Susanne’s Review:

Eerie, Atmospheric, and Taut.

Out at Sea, “The Survivors” can be seen off the caves; three life-size statues, standing guard facing the Mary Minerva which sank over a century ago.

In the newest novel by Jane Harper, the past and the preside collide for Kieran Elliott upon returning home to Evelyn Bay, Tasmania, a place he once called home.

A place he hasn’t returned to in a long time. For good reason. Kieran Elliott isn’t exactly welcome you see. Ten years prior, during one of the worst storms in history, Kieran made a mistake – a detrimental mistake. One that resulted in the loss of lives that hit way too close to home. His brother and his brother’s best friend died and a young girl went missing.

Now, Kieran, his wife Mia, and their newborn Audrey have returned to Evelyn Bay to care for his ailing father Brian when tragedy strikes yet again after a woman’s body is washed up on the beach.

Questions abound as both mysteries, past and present slowly unfold.

An extremely slow burn, the character development is excellent, keeping me wholly intrigued, wondering what each character was hiding.

The weather, dark, dangerous, and edgy, plays a huge part in the storyline, unfurling secrets of its own.

What Jane Harper truly excels at in my opinion, is her vivid descriptions of the atmosphere and the land and making both characters in their own right, which is no easy feat.

While I liked this novel, I preferred “The Lost Man” as I just loved the characters of Nathan and Xander. That being said, Ms. Harper is becoming a favorite author of mine as I love character-driven fiction.

This was another fabulous buddy read with Ms. Kaceey.

Thank you to Flatiron Books, NetGalley, and MacMillion Audio for the alc.

Published on Goodreads on 12.27.20.

Kaceey’s Review:

A tiny coastal town struggles with the past, when twelve years ago two young lives were lost at sea. And a third simply disappeared. Mystery and questions still linger surrounding their deaths.

Now the waters have claimed a new victim. Is it possible all these deaths could be tied together? Or maybe just pure coincidence?

Once again, the community is forced to re-live and come to grips with yet another loss.

It’s during this time that Kieran and his wife Mia are making plans to return to their hometown to help his father, now suffering with dementia. He’s also about to come face to face with his past.

A slow moving, deliberate thriller that delves into the lives of those haunted by the past tragedies.

At times I felt either the pace could be picked up, or the length shortened somewhat.  But that’s just me, an impatient thriller girl.💁🏻‍♀️

My second read by this extremely popular and talented author. And though I enjoyed The Lost Man a bit more,  I still look forward to reading more from this author. 

A buddy 🎧 with Susanne!

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio.