The Secrets at Ocean's Edge

The top ten bestseller

By: Kali Napier

Narrated by: Edwina Wren

1932. Ernie and Lily Hass, and their daughter, Girlie, have lost almost everything in the Depression; all they have keeping their small family together are their secrets. Abandoning their failing wheat farm and small-town gossip, they make a new start on the west coast of Australia where they begin to build a summer guesthouse. But forming new alliances with the locals isn't easy.

Into the Hasses' new life wanders Lily's shell-shocked brother, Tommy, after three harrowing years on the road following his incarceration. Tommy is seeking answers that will cut to the heart of who Ernie, Lily and Girlie really are.

Inspired by the author's own family history, The Secrets at Ocean's Edge is a haunting, memorable and moving tale of one family's search for belonging. Kali Napier breathes a fever-pitch intensity into the story of these emotionally fragile characters as their secrets are revealed with tragic consequences. If you loved The Light Between Oceans and The Woolgrower's Companion you will love this story.

'Kali Napier may be a debut author but she is certainly no novice. The Secret's at Ocean's Edge is an incredible novel, a story layered with all of the hallmarks that make for an Australian classic.' - Theresa Smith

Critic reviews

One of the best books I've read this year. I absolutely loved it. Totally gripping, beautifully written, the characterisation is superb. An absolutely stunning book. I am still thinking about it.

An engaging mystery while also being an absorbing tale of family secrets, lies, betrayal and sacrifice. The story brims with authenticity that comes from painstaking research. The gradual release of information about the family combines to create a level of suspense that is sustained and that kept me guessing until the very end. I found it difficult to put down. The author knows how to keep a secret, how to pass on a secret and how - and when - to divulge a secret.

A story layered with all the hallmarks that make for an Australian classic. I loved this incredible novel. I enjoyed every beautifully evocative sentence . . . I didn't want it to end.

In this very accomplished debut novel, Kali Napier has perfectly captured the jealousy, gossip and claustrophobia of a small community in 1930s . Racial segregation and discrimination was also rife and dealt with sensitivity and empathy in the novel. Recommended for all readers who enjoy a well researched and engaging historical novel.

As a debut novel I was really impressed. It is a sad story of prejudice, narrow mindedness, family complications and human vulnerability with facing truths. Highly recommended read.

Napier has delved into her own family history for inspiration for The Secrets at Ocean's Edge which creates some interesting historical links. (Tara George)

As with other novels that are inspired by their authors' ancestry, here you will find that special extra quality of storytelling that is only found in truth. (Marina Maxwell)

Inspired by the author's own family history, The Secrets at Ocean's Edge is a haunting, memorable and moving tale of one family's search for belonging. If you loved The Light Between Oceans and The Woolgrower's Companion you will love this story.

it is the heart-rending story of a guest housekeeper and his wife who attempt to rebuild their lives on Australia's West Coast. Keep the tissues handy for this one.

This is a compelling story one that had me turning the pages

The Secrets at Ocean's Edge is a powerful story. Napier has a firm hold on her plot
and characters, investigating the world of Dongarra. They're all well-drawn, but Lily is mesmerising.

Napier builds the tension with a deft hand and this is probably my favourite thing about the book.

Inspired by the author's own family history, this is a haunting, memorable and moving tale of one family's search for belonging. Fans of The Light Between Oceans and The Woolgrower's Companion will love this book.

This book is gripping from the first words to the end. (Pat Pledger)