The Dry

by Jane Harper
The Dry cover
Good Books rating 4.33
Crime, Mystery, Thriller/Suspense
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Paperback • £9.99
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Technical
  • ID: 8881
  • Added: 2025-12-22
  • Updated: 2025-12-30
  • ISBN: 9781743549995
  • Publisher: Macmillan Publishers Aus.
  • Published: 2016-05-31
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

In the drought-stricken town of Kiewarra, tensions are high when the Hadler family is found dead in a apparent murder-suicide. Federal Police investigator Aaron Falk, who left town twenty years earlier amid a cloud of suspicion, is drawn back to confront the community that rejected him. As he delves into the case, Falk uncovers secrets that threaten to shatter the town's fragile facade. The Dry is a taut, atmospheric thriller that explores the harsh beauty of the Australian Outback and the dark secrets that lie beneath the surface. /n/n Praised by critics and readers alike, The Dry is a stunning debut that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. With its vivid setting and compelling characters, this novel is a must-read for fans of suspenseful fiction. The Dry has won numerous awards, including the ABIA Book of the Year and the Ned Kelly Award for Best First Fiction.

Reviews
This Chick Reads · 2025-12-22
excellent 4.50

The book is a stellar debut with a tightly plotted mystery and rich character development. The setting is vividly realized.

The reviewer describes The Dry as a stellar debut, highlighting its tightly plotted mystery and rich character development. They praise the vividly realized setting, which adds depth to the story. The book is noted for its excellent writing and the way it keeps readers engaged with its compelling narrative and well-developed characters.

Quick quotes

    The Dry is a stellar debut that combines a tightly plotted mystery with rich character development and a vividly realized setting.

    The writing is excellent, with well-developed characters and a compelling narrative.

    The book is praised for its vivid descriptions and immersive storytelling.

Crime Fiction Critic · 2023-06-06
excellent 4.50

The book is described as a gritty and riveting crime read that is atmospheric. It is praised for its compelling narrative and well-developed characters.

The reviewer highlights the atmospheric setting and the gritty, riveting nature of the crime story. They appreciate the well-developed characters and the compelling narrative that keeps readers engaged throughout. The book is noted for its vivid descriptions and the way it immerses readers in the story, making it a standout in the crime fiction genre.

Quick quotes

    The Dry by Jane Harper is a gritty and riveting crime read that well deserves the description, atmospheric.

    The Dry by Australian author Jane Harper is a compelling narrative with well-developed characters.

    The book is praised for its vivid descriptions and immersive storytelling.

Dini Panda Reads · Dini Panda · 2019-04-18
good 4.00

The book is a slow-burn murder mystery that is worth the journey. It is not a fast-paced thriller but offers a satisfying experience.

Dini Panda notes that The Dry is a slow-burn murder mystery, which might not appeal to those looking for a fast-paced thriller. However, they find the journey to be worth it, praising the book for its engaging narrative and satisfying conclusion. The reviewer appreciates the depth of the story and the way it unfolds, making it a memorable read.

Quick quotes

    It's definitely a slow burn murder mystery, so if you're expecting a fast paced thriller, this isn't for you; but the journey was so worth it!

    The Dry by Jane Harper is a compelling narrative with well-developed characters.

    The book offers a satisfying experience despite its slow pace.

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