April book: The Dry by Jane Harper

The Dry
by Jane Harper
(discussion led by MH-C)





Some background links to get you started: 

• The Dry - Pan Macmillan Australia (The publisher’s website)
• The Dry review: Jane Harper's hot crime debut is mythic and valiant (Review from The Sydney Morning Herald)
• The Dry | Author Jane Harper's Debut Novel (The author’s website)
• Review: The Dry by Jane Harper - Marianne Delacourt
• Review: The Dry by Jane Harper · Readings.com.au
• 'The Dry,' a Page-Turner of a Mystery Set in a Parched Australia (Review in the NY Times)
• The Dry by Jane Harper — an absorbing crime debut - Financial Times
• Reese Witherspoon & Bruna Papandrea Land Hot Book 'The Dry ...
• The Dry by Jane Harper book review | Daily Review: Film, stage and ...
• Book Review of The Dry by Jane Harper at AustCrimeFiction
• Chris Flynn reviews 'The Dry' by Jane Harper - Australian Book Review
• Reese Witherspoon Developing Thriller 'The Dry' as a Movie | Variety

What we discussed about the book:

• Where did we think this was set? Was it the Mallee?
• What were the clues revealed throughout the book? Who spotted them? Did anyone pick the killer before the reveal?
• How could we explain the note with 'Falk' written on it? How would that have been motivated?
• Did we think this book vilify country town life? Did it reflect our own experiences of country life?
• Were we happy with the resolution? 
• Could there be a sequel to this book...or would that be a mistake? If so, what direction should it take? 
• Structurally, the italic sections initially were memory or explanation as viewed by a character...then part way through they swapped to omniscient narrator - did this make sense?
• Is shooting rabbits a regular past-time during a drought?
• Why was it suggested the Luke may have been cruel to a rabbit in the past? 
• Was Luke the father of Gretchen's baby? 
• Appreciation of the writing style - a descriptive, but pacy narrative. 

Then we were distracted to discuss: 

• Who do we think Hollywood will cast to play each of the characters in the film version of this book? But who would we actually LIKE to play each?
• Crime-writing as a genre. What are the 'rules'? And how closely did this book, stick to the rules?
• If you liked this book - The Broken Shore by Peter Temple is recommended
• How long a grave has to be left to 'settle' before a gravestone can be erected.

And in other news: 

• We were educated about 'Netflix and chill'
• We discussed profiling of psycho-killers. In real life, can anyone pick a killer in their midst?

Ratings
Range: 7 to 9
Average: 7.85