I am the BIGGEST fan of Australian crime fiction. If you’re a regular visitor to the blog then that may not come as much of a surprise to you. I try to prioritise Aussie crime fiction above everything else and read as much as humanly possible, because it’s become a bit of a passion (obsession?!) for me. What started me on my journey, waaaay back in 2017, was picking up a copy of The Dry, the first book in the Aaron Falk series by Jane Harper. From there on in, I was officially hooked. Harper’s latest release is the long awaited third book in the superb Aaron Falk series. I had been so looking forward to meeting up with Falk again that I felt a little apprehensive starting Exiles. But there was no need to worry. Exiles is literary perfection from start to finish and I loved every single moment I spent in the Marralee Valley. Kim Gillespie tragically disappeared on the opening night of the Marralee Valley Annual Food and Wine Festival, leaving her young baby, Zoe, alone and unattended in her pram. Now, one year later, and with the shadow of Kim’s disappearance still hanging over the small community, Aaron Falk has arrived in the Valley to join Kim’s friends and family as they welcome a new addition to the family. Falk has finally managed to get a much deserved break from the AFP’s Financial Division but despite being on leave, his interest is piqued by Kim’s story. The more he digs into what happened that day, the more confusing things become. Witness statements are muddled, sightings don’t quite ring true and those closest to Kim aren’t telling the whole truth. It’s down to Falk to peel back the layers of this small community and discover the secrets they’re desperate to keep hidden… Exiles is an utterly compelling, completely engrossing mystery which delivers on every count. Harper creates the most beautifully drawn, believable characters who are thoroughly engaging and pull the reader into their world. You live each and every moment alongside them and for a fan of character-driven novels (that’s me!), it’s a wonderful, wonderful thing. Add to the superb characterisation the compelling mystery which has you questioning everyone you meet along the way, plus Harper’s incredibly vivid, almost dreamy setting and you have a top notch mystery novel from the Queen of rural Australian crime. It was such a joy to be reunited with Falk again after the previous two books. There’s something so eminently likable about him and I enjoyed seeing him in a much more relaxed environment. This is the third and final book in this trilogy and the author has ended Falk’s journey on the most perfect note. A very satisfying conclusion to a must-read set of books. Would I recommend this book? I would, yes. I would definitely recommend Exiles plus the earlier books in the series – The Dry and Force of Nature (not forgetting the two standalone non-Falk novels – The Lost Man and The Survivors, which are also excellent) to all mystery fans. Harper’s writing is exquisite, her characters are a masterpiece and the way she tells a story is captivating from the first word to the last. The mystery unfolds at a gentle pace, tension building throughout the book until you reach the startling conclusion. A highly entertaining, thoroughly immersive read which I devoured with utter glee. Jane Harper remains one of my favourite authors and if you haven’t discovered her books yet then I urge you to change that as soon as you can. Perfection on a page! Highly recommended.

A bittersweet novel featuring Aaron Falk in his third and final novel. The beauty of Australian wine country, blossoming love and a mystery or two needing solving. What could be better? Exiles isn't full on with action but it delivers a slow burn, thoughtful story unravelling at a gentle pace. That is the beauty of Jane Harper's writing. The reader gets a considered view of the characters, the intriguing plot and a mystery that seems uncrackable. It is this easy-going Australian view of life, people and situations that makes her books sing. I savoured it slowly as I know I will miss Aaron but feel good about the journey we've enjoyed by his side.

As the saying goes, and what a tangled weave this book is. Another fantastic book from Jane Harper, this lady is a top notch writer, bring on the next one.

Welcome back Aaron Falk! Another winner from Ms Harper with her usual well thought out plot, that always leave me surprised at how many clues I missed while caught up in the story. Set in a small town in Australian wine country this time which I found less atmospheric than previous books but that's a minor quibble. thank you to netgalley and Pan Macmillan for an advance copy of this book

Another excellent read from Jane Harper with the third novel in her Aaron Falk series. I've been eagerly waiting to get my hands on this book. It is not at all necessary to have read the previous novels, The Dry and 'Force of Nature for the backstory but I'd recommend that you do so as both are thoroughly brilliant novels and well worth reading. In 'Exiles', we are visiting the South Australian wine region and Harper creates evocative images of the land and winery where Aaron is staying as he attends the Christening of his godson Henry. The Christening was due to take place some 12 months earlier but was postponed due to the disappearance of Kim Gillespie. As her family and friends continue to grieve, Aaron delves into the events of last summer and how Kim was interacting with the family. Naturally, he soon comes to realise that childhood events have come back to haunt the family and this is where Harper is at her best in describing the interactions and emotions of her characters. Sometimes it is best for an author is keep the scenes restrained and let the readers imagination soar and then at other moments to fill in all of the elements and Harper knows just when to let us imagine. Actions and events mentioned in passing may prove to be hints regarding what truly happened or no more than threads in the fabric of life. But these threads, or red herrings, add to the excitement for the reader as Harper slowly builds up the tension. A brilliantly, slow burning, tension building, mystery and definitely a "must buy" for 2023.