By Kate Morton
ISBN: 9780063020894
Homecoming by Kate Morton provides an engaging experience that will appeal to readers who enjoy long gripping reads. The story is told from several points of view and chronological sequences, that compels the reader to delve deeper into the text and while it might tire a rookie reader, those who can follow through will not be disappointed.
Synopsis:
“Adelaide Hills, Christmas Eve, 1959: At the end of a scorching hot day, beside a creek on the grounds of a grand country house, a local man makes a terrible discovery. Police are called, and the small town of Tambilla becomes embroiled in one of the most baffling murder investigations in the history of South Australia.
Many years later and thousands of miles away, Jess is a journalist in search of a story. Having lived and worked in London for two decades, she now finds herself unemployed and struggling to make ends meet. A phone call out of nowhere summons her back to Sydney, where her beloved grandmother Nora, who raised Jess when her mother could not, has suffered a fall and is seriously ill in the hospital.
At Nora’s house, Jess discovers a true crime book chronicling a long-buried police case: the Turner Family Tragedy of 1959. It is only when Jess skims through its pages that she finds a shocking connection between her own family and this notorious event – a mystery that has never been satisfactorily resolved.
An epic story that spans generations, Homecoming asks what we would do for those we love, how we protect the lies we tell, and what it means to come home. Above all, it is an intricate and spellbinding novel from one of the finest writers working today.”
What’s to like:
The readers are treated to a narrative that skillfully employs multiple perspectives to unravel an intriguing plot. The author’s deep appreciation for the Australian countryside becomes evident through vivid and compelling descriptions that transport readers to the heart of the landscape.
One of the standout features of the book lies in its well-crafted characters within the murder story that Jess is investigating. Each character is thoughtfully developed, breathing life into the storyline and adding layers of complexity to the mystery. Flashbacks are expertly incorporated into the novel to add even more depth and demonstrate the author’s abilities as a storyteller.
Kate Morton has succeeded in writing a book that not only entertains but also paints a vivid portrait of both the characters and the captivating Australian countryside, making Homecoming a recommended read for enthusiasts of mystery and those who appreciate the art of storytelling.
What’s not to like:
Some readers may find the book too long and the middle section seems like its dragging the story. Moreover, half through the book most readers would be able to guess the truth about what Nora. This premature revelation diminishes the suspense, making the final reveal fall short of its intended impact.
Jess’s character, despite an intriguing introduction with hints of a London life, takes a somewhat passive role as the story progresses. Her life in London fades into the background, leaving readers longing for a more in-depth exploration of her character. Furthermore, Jess’s involvement in solving the mystery appears somewhat superficial, with instances where she seems to guess rather than actively investigate key aspects, such as the cause of death for the Turner family.
Book Review Rating: 4.5/5 – Recommended.
Clean Content Rating: Intermediate. Premarital relations, violence and death. Age advisory: 18+