Exiles by Jane Harper

Set in Australia, Exiles by Jane Harper is a slow-burn mystery and #3 in the Aaron Falk series. (can be read as a stand-alone)  The story features generous sides of family and friends drama and a budding romance.

Genre/Categories/Setting: Fiction, Mystery, Detective, Family Drama, Community, Australia

*This post contains Amazon affiliate links

**This review may contain spoilers.

My Summary of Exiles:

Thanks #NetGalley @MacMillanAudio for a complimentary listening ARC of #Exiles upon my request. All opinions are my own.

“We see what we expect to see.”

Aaron Falk, an investigator we met in The Dry and Force of Nature, returns in this story that is set in Southern Australia’s wine country. The occasion is a baby christening where Falk is the Godfather. The christening was supposed to take place a year earlier; however, a missing mother and her abandoned baby upset the community and the christening was postponed for one year. The mother disappeared from the town’s annual festival and Falk, although not involved in the case, has his curiosity piqued about the unsolved case once he arrives in town. While plans progress for the family christening, Falk wonders if the cold case is connected to another death in the small town, Falk conducts behind-the-scenes inquiries and pieces clues together. He unexpectedly finds himself attracted to a beautiful woman.

My Thoughts:

Slow-Burn

Although Exiles is not exactly a page-turner, it is well crafted and does build suspense and tension for a dramatic ending. I would say that 80% is slow-burn and the last 20% is faster-paced.

Atmospheric

Jane Harper has developed a reputation for writing atmospheric mysteries filled with vivid details, and Exiles does not disappoint. Establishing a strong sense of place, the author draws complicated characters, reveals complex relationships, and creates a multilayered plot for a satisfying story.

Falk Returns

I was thrilled when I heard about the return of Aaron Falk! Harper’s first two books feature Falk and then he disappears for the next two. I couldn’t help but feel disappointed, so I was happy to know that Harper hadn’t abandoned him and that he was part of a planned trilogy all along!  Even though Exile is #3, it can totally be read as a stand-alone.  ***SPOILER*** Exiles gives the Falk character the closure and hope for a happy future he deserves. In fact, I felt more engaged with the slow-burn romance than I did with the mystery! Readers who are attached to Falk will want to read Exiles!

Audio Format

Because Exiles is a slow-burn mystery and highly atmospheric and not especially fast-paced, I’m highly recommending the audio format. The narrator kept me engaged in the story when I might have set aside the print version. For me, the Australian accent is delightfully engaging and the narrator sounds like the Falk I imagine!

Romance

As I’ve already mentioned, Exiles is also a slow-burn (closed door) romance which I’m totally here for! I need Falk to have a happy ending. The budding romance was the most engaging part of the story for me.

Recommending Exiles

I’m definitely recommending Exiles (especially the audio format) for fans of Jane Harper and atmospheric mysteries, for fans of Aaron Falk, and for those who appreciate gently-told mysteries.

***Contains Spoilers”””
Content Consideration: domestic abuse, toxic relationship, death, grief

Related: I have also reviewed The Survivors and Force of Nature by Jane Harper

My Rating:  4.5  Stars

More Information Here (audio recommended)

Meet the Author of Exiles, Jane Harper

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QOTD:

Is this mystery on your TBR? Are you a Jane Harper fan?

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