The Dry

By: Jane Harper

Narrated by: Steve Shanahan

Length: 9 hrs and 37 mins

Publisher's summary

Now a major motion picture starring Eric Bana as Aaron Falk.

It hasn't rained in Kiewarra for two years. Tensions in the farming community become unbearable when three members of the Hadler family are discovered shot to death on their property. Everyone assumes Luke Hadler committed suicide after slaughtering his wife and six-year-old son. Federal police investigator Aaron Falk returns to his hometown for the funerals and is unwillingly drawn into the investigation. As suspicion spreads through the town, Falk is forced to confront the community that rejected him 20 years earlier. Because Falk and his childhood friend Luke Hadler shared a secret, one which Luke's death threatens to unearth....

©2016 Jane Harper (P)2016 W F Howes Ltd

Critic reviews

"You will feel the heat, taste the dust and blink into the glare. The Dry is a wonderful crime novel that shines a light into the darkest corner of a sunburnt country." (Michael Robotham)

"A suspenseful tale of sound and fury as riveting as it is horrific.” (Publishers Weekly)

Wonderful!

I didn’t expect to love this book so much, as had downloaded through audibles featured author for free. I never listen to fiction - more of a business/professional development fan. But I could not stop listening once I started. I listened to the whole 9 hours in 2 days. So many twists and turns, beautifully written, narrated, and so much intrigue. I loved it and am now going to search for more Jane Harper! If you want to a break from the normal and a little escapism - you’ll love The Dry.

A really polished story

Didn't have huge expectations of this book but was very pleasantly surprised - the story is quite brilliant! I've read and listened to thousands of mystery/thriller novels in my life and they tend to get predictable after a while. This one quite literally kept me guessing and the outcome was a real revelation. I actually felt the hairs on the back of my neck rise more than once! Nice to have the sub-plot tidied up at the end too; not a fan of loose ends.

The narrator is excellent and portrays the various characters perfectly. The tensions and struggles of a country town during a drought are very realistic. I could almost taste the hot dust while listening to this book.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book from the first second to the last - there is no 'filler' - every well written word is germane and the pace fast. Will definitely be looking for more from this author and narrator.

Loved it !

O! M! G! One the best stories I have listened to in a long time. I’m now a huge fan of Janes future books, the description of our beautiful country and the characters, the slang, usually when I have 1 huntsman spider in a bedroom there is a 2nd hiding somewhere..

compelling Australian thriller

The time spent listening to this captivating story went very quickly. Well worthwhile and great narration.

Excellent storytelling

Loved this book.
It really pulled me into its fabric.
The characters felt real, and I could almost smell the dry heat.
The plot kept me hanging till the end.
Brilliant.
Looking forward to the next one.

great book

loved it from start to finish, perfect for driving whilst taking in the dry Australian landscape

Ripping yarn

A great story felt even better because of the reader- If I'd been reading this I'd have read it in one sitting. The setting in a drought in the outback is as much a part of the story as the characters.

My first Aussie crime delight !

I've wasted too much time reading mediocre British crime novels when I should've been sticking closer to home.
Here's hoping the next two Jane Harper books are even half as good as this one !!