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The Dry

After reading, and being traumatised, by Truman Capote’s In Cold Blood, I swore I wouldn't read any more books about families being murdered.
My friend told me about The Dry and honestly I was not keen at all. First of all, the cover didn’t do anything for me. I know that’s shallow of me but I do judge book covers! Secondly, I just wasn't sure whether it would be one I could stomach.
Aaron Faulk returns to his hometown for the funeral of his childhood best friend and family. Aaron does not receive a warm welcome. The town is in the midst of the worst drought in a century, and tensions are running high.
This small town holds some big and dark secrets. Jane Harper does a great job of telling this tale, she weaves flashbacks into the story which had me barking up the wrong tree. She had me guessing for a long time.
For me, I found it to be a very sad book. I was worried that there would be graphic and upsetting murder descriptions. There were some, but again I feel Harper handled them really well and sensitively. When I finished I just felt and little bit down. I guess that means it’s a good book if it could affect me so much. I liked a lot of the characters and just felt sad at how their lives were.
I’m looking forward to reading the next book, Force Of Nature. I think I’ll have to make sure I sandwich it with some feel-good reads between.
Have you read either of Jane Harper’s books? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.