Exiles

by Jane Harper
Exiles cover
Good Books rating 3.67
Technical:
  • ID: 210
  • Added: 2025-09-04
  • Updated: 2025-09-04
  • ISBN: 9798885786751
  • Publisher: Thorndike Press Large Print
  • Published: 2023-02-22
  • Reviews: 3
Reviews
Crime Fiction Critic · 2025-09-04
intriguing 4.00

The story contrasts light and darkness while exploring how people tend to see what they expect. The intertwining of multiple mysteries and personal relationships adds depth to the narrative.

This review highlights the thematic contrast between light and darkness in "Exiles," emphasizing the novel’s exploration of perception biases—how characters and communities see what they expect rather than what is true. The intertwining of the disappearance of Kim Gillespie with an unsolved hit-and-run adds layers of complexity and suspense to the plot. Additionally, the personal struggles and developing relationships of detective Aaron Falk, especially his connection with Gemma Tozer, enrich the story beyond a simple mystery. The book is appreciated for its nuanced approach to crime fiction, blending small-town dynamics with deeper emotional and psychological elements.

Quick quotes

    A story that contrasts light and darkness, and exposes our tendency to see what is expected.

    The primary driving narrative is the possibility that Falk can solve the Kate Gillespie mystery and the death of Tozer.

    Falk is also working to solve some personal issues and forming a relationship with Tozer’s widow Gemma.

MMB Book Blog · 2024-06-12
heartfelt 4.25

Exiles is praised for its vivid setting and authentic characters, delivering a mystery full of emotional depth. The story’s heart and atmosphere stand out as key strengths.

The reviewer appreciates Jane Harper’s skill in crafting a vivid location and believable characters that bring the mystery to life. They emphasize that the novel is not just a conventional crime story but one that carries significant emotional weight, centered around the missing mother and the community affected by her absence. The atmospheric depiction of the Australian wine country and the authentic interpersonal dynamics contribute to making "Exiles" a compelling and heartfelt read. The emotional resonance combined with a satisfying mystery makes it a worthwhile experience for fans of the genre.

Quick quotes

    Overall, Exiles is a great mystery full of heart.

    Jane Harper's ability to create a vivid location and an authentic cast of characters.

    The novel combines atmosphere and emotional depth effectively.

The Crimson · 2023-02-21
underwhelming 2.75

The novel has a slow pace with a large cast of characters, but only the protagonist Falk and the missing woman Kim are compelling. The mystery's final twist is late and feels anticlimactic, leaving a faint dissatisfaction.

The reviewer notes that "Exiles" introduces many characters, but few are memorable aside from the main detective Falk and the missing woman Kim. The story's slow pacing and vague conclusion contribute to a sense of dissatisfaction, as the suspense often drags without effectively propelling the plot forward. Although the middle of the book picks up pace, the final reveal comes too late and with little foreshadowing, making it feel anticlimactic. The mystery centers on Kim Gillespie’s disappearance, but despite the intriguing setup and psychological depth given to key characters, the overall narrative leaves many questions unanswered. This results in a gripping atmosphere that ultimately falls short of fully satisfying the reader's expectations, according to this perspective.

Quick quotes

    Most of the characters are not particularly memorable or interesting.

    The novel’s slow pace and vague conclusion yield a sense of faint dissatisfaction.

    The final twist is revealed so late into the story that it feels anticlimactic.

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