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The Dry cover art

The Dry

Written by: Jane Harper
Narrated by: Stephen Shanahan
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Publisher's Summary

Instant New York Times best seller.

Winner of the CWA's Gold Dagger Award. 

Winner of an AudioFile Eaphones Award

"A breathless page-turner, driven by the many revelations Ms. Harper dreams up....You'll love [her] sleight of hand....A secret on every page." (The New York Times)

"One of the most stunning debuts I've ever read....Every word is near perfect." (David Baldacci)

A small town hides big secrets in The Dry, an atmospheric debut mystery by award-winning author Jane Harper. 

After getting a note demanding his presence, Federal Agent Aaron Falk arrives in his hometown for the first time in decades to attend the funeral of his best friend, Luke. Twenty years ago when Falk was accused of murder, Luke was his alibi. Falk and his father fled under a cloud of suspicion, saved from prosecution only because of Luke's steadfast claim that the boys had been together at the time of the crime. But now more than one person knows they didn't tell the truth back then, and Luke is dead. 

Amid the worst drought in a century, Falk and the local detective question what really happened to Luke. As Falk reluctantly investigates to see if there's more to Luke's death than there seems to be, long-buried mysteries resurface, as do the lies that have haunted them. And Falk will find that small towns have always hidden big secrets. 

©2016 Jane Harper (P)2016 Macmillan Audio

What the critics say

"Debut author Jane Harper's fine prose and narrator Steven Shanahan's expert delivery combine for a transcendent Australian noir experience.... Shanahan's accent and speech patterns immerse listeners in the Australian countryside. He also consistently sprinkles in little touches - a stifled yawn, a burp after a swig of beer, a nasally voice for a man with a broken nose - that breathe vivid life into the story and characters." (AudioFile)

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What listeners say about The Dry

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  • Overall
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    5 out of 5 stars

Thoughtful, Engaging and Evocative

I enjoyed this book more than I expected to, having started and failed with a couple of other Australian novels. This author's use of the omniscient point of view brings the reader close to all the characters, even the hideous ones. The plot is intense and structured to maximize the reader's anticipation. The overall theme of the destructive nature of secrets, even small ones, is played out over and over as the carpet is drawn back on the characters and this wild and beautiful place they live. The reader is, however, left to ponder at the end, knowing the bullies are guilty, but also knowing there is no proof with which to convict. I couldn't stop listening to this one and finished it in record time. Glad to add this writer to my list of 'good'uns'.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Awesome!

Captivating novel from start to finish. I highly recommend this book for any mystery lover!

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Decent

The story moved along well enough though the outcome was more than predictable. Enjoyable to listen to.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

if you're considering, pull the trigger!

I for reasons unbeknownst to me, stalled for several days after downloading this off of my wish list.. I'm uncertain as to what it was that made me put off delving in but once I did - my only regret was that I didn't start sooner.

I'm very likely going to get the second installment as well as explore other titles by the author!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Excellent

It took me 10-15 mins to warm up to it. But then, it picked up beautifully. Beautifully written and performed. I would highly recommend it.

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I felt like I was living it.

Five stars because I immediately downloaded the sequel and I’m waiting for number three from this author.
As a Canadian, I identified with the wilderness and the drought and how it affects the locals. Solid characters and suspense to the end. And then the accent, one of the best advantages of listening rather than reading
#Audible1

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Really enjoyed this book

I was caught up in the story immediately. Weaving the backstory into the present story was done with skill and was done without loss of the tension that was an undercurrent through the book. Beautifully written. I'll look for others from this author. #Audible1

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  • Overall
    1 out of 5 stars
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What?

I honestly had no idea what the narrator was saying. Had to return unfortunately #Audible1

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    4 out of 5 stars
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Captivating!

Great book! Felt connected to the main character throughout the story, and did not want to stop listening. I needed to know what happened next and how everything would resolve. Unexpected twists and turns kept me listening way longer each session than I had planned! #Audible1

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