Force of nature

Jane Harper

This novel follows on from Jane Harper’s blockbuster debut, ‘The Dry’ and brings the welcome return of Aaron Falk. As a Federal police officer, Falk continues to work in financial fraud and has been working with a whistleblower, Alice Russell. When Alice and four work colleagues undertake a team building hike through the Giralang Ranges, only four women return. Alice is missing and at high risk of exposure.

Aaron and his colleague arrive to assist with the search, fearful that their involvement with Alice has put her at risk. The second narrative thread belongs to the four women  – Jill, Lauren, Beth and Breanna - who each take on individual chapters, describing the ill-fated hike, their own behaviour and attitudes and those of their companions. As their situation becomes more desperate, we witness the unravelling of good intentions, civility and group cohesion.

The setting and situation provide tension and creepiness in bucket loads! The dense forest, inclement weather and disorientation of the group is well-described. With the inevitable red herrings, including a story line that conjures memories of infamous serial killer, Ivan Milat, this book had me on the edge of my seat. The addition of issues such as social media, cyber-bullying and sexting, keep the story contemporary and immediate.

5 stars