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The Crag
Will the mountain give up its secrets? While walking on an isolated track in the windswept Wimmera, rock-climber Skye discovers the body of a young woman. The body has injuries that suggest a rock-climbing accident, but it's been found more than 5km from the nearest cliffs at Mount Arapiles.
Police ask Skye to help them navigate the perilous world of rock climbing as they try to unravel what happened. Skye is secretly thrilled to be part of the investigation, but as it becomes clear that a killer is on the loose, all thrill turns to fear. In the isolated crags of the mountain, stark beauty can conceal horrific truths.
Police ask Skye to help them navigate the perilous world of rock climbing as they try to unravel what happened. Skye is secretly thrilled to be part of the investigation, but as it becomes clear that a killer is on the loose, all thrill turns to fear. In the isolated crags of the mountain, stark beauty can conceal horrific truths.
314 pages, Paperback
First published July 30, 2024
20 people are currently reading
336 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
September 1, 2024
The Crag was a gripping read from start to finish. I felt immediately drawn into the world of rock climbing, with Claire Sutherland also transporting me to the atmospheric Wimmera region of Victoria.
“The flat fields unfurled behind the eucalypts lining the road. It was green this time of year, and the mid-afternoon light cast long shadows and a warm glow over the landscape.”
Skye, a paramedic in her early thirties has a passion for rock climbing. While out walking one day, she discovers the body of a young woman, with injuries suggesting a possible rock climbing accident. Police bring Skye onto the investigation to help them navigate this element. It soon becomes clear there’s a killer on the loose, with things escalating upon discovery of another missing woman.
This was an easy-to-follow read, and unique entry into the thriving rural Australian crime genre. I was hooked from the prologue. Skye and Elly were strong female characters and had great chemistry despite their differences. Both helped drive the plot forward and keep me engaged. I particularly loved Skye’s dogs (Mack and Murphy), which were a wholesome inclusion alongside other characters that made my skin crawl.
“It was like a Rubik’s Cube - each time she thought they’d solved one side, they’d turn it over and discover every other side was messed up.”
Claire’s beautiful landscape descriptions made me feel like I was bushwalking there too. Her impressive rock climbing knowledge ensured it felt authentic, transplanting the reader onto the rock faces with the characters – the closest I’ll get to such activities!
Unfortunately, I had major suspicions about a person early in the story which proved true. Thankfully, this predictability didn’t detract too much from my enjoyment or the plot's ability to keep me turning pages.
The Crag is a book that keeps you reading late into the night. It manages to explore powerful, timely themes, while maintaining great pacing with an intriguing storyline.
Recommend for those after an Aussie page-turner with strong female presence and satisfying conclusion.
“She was alone. Alone, thirty metres above a jagged pile of rocks, twisting in the breeze.”
Many thanks to Affirm Press for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
“The flat fields unfurled behind the eucalypts lining the road. It was green this time of year, and the mid-afternoon light cast long shadows and a warm glow over the landscape.”
Skye, a paramedic in her early thirties has a passion for rock climbing. While out walking one day, she discovers the body of a young woman, with injuries suggesting a possible rock climbing accident. Police bring Skye onto the investigation to help them navigate this element. It soon becomes clear there’s a killer on the loose, with things escalating upon discovery of another missing woman.
This was an easy-to-follow read, and unique entry into the thriving rural Australian crime genre. I was hooked from the prologue. Skye and Elly were strong female characters and had great chemistry despite their differences. Both helped drive the plot forward and keep me engaged. I particularly loved Skye’s dogs (Mack and Murphy), which were a wholesome inclusion alongside other characters that made my skin crawl.
“It was like a Rubik’s Cube - each time she thought they’d solved one side, they’d turn it over and discover every other side was messed up.”
Claire’s beautiful landscape descriptions made me feel like I was bushwalking there too. Her impressive rock climbing knowledge ensured it felt authentic, transplanting the reader onto the rock faces with the characters – the closest I’ll get to such activities!
Unfortunately, I had major suspicions about a person early in the story which proved true. Thankfully, this predictability didn’t detract too much from my enjoyment or the plot's ability to keep me turning pages.
The Crag is a book that keeps you reading late into the night. It manages to explore powerful, timely themes, while maintaining great pacing with an intriguing storyline.
Recommend for those after an Aussie page-turner with strong female presence and satisfying conclusion.
“She was alone. Alone, thirty metres above a jagged pile of rocks, twisting in the breeze.”
Many thanks to Affirm Press for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 27, 2025
Skye and her boyfriend Callum had moved from Melbourne to Horsham in Victoria, where Skye's parents lived, to get out of the rat race of the city and relax in the country. Skye was a paramedic, a job she loved, and had a position immediately, while Callum's plumbing background saw him employed straight away. The past few years had been just what they'd needed, with both of them avid climbers of the nearby Mount Arapiles, spending a lot of the time they weren't working, at the rock climbing they loved. But one afternoon while taking their two dogs for a walk through the bush, Skye happened upon the body of a young woman who had obviously been murdered.
Senior Detective Elly Shaw and her partner, Detective Sam MacPherson of the Horsham police, were soon on the scene, along with forensics, while Skye waited on the sidelines. The investigation into who the woman was, how long she'd been there, and why she was 5km from Mount Arapiles, as it was presenting as a climbing accident, were on top of the Detectives' list to discover. And when Elly asked Skye to help with the climbing dynamics, Skye was happy to do so. But would they discover who had killed an innocent young backpacker?
The Crag is the debut novel by Aussie author Claire Sutherland and boy! What a cracker it was! It had me from the beginning - intense, gripping, filled with tension - until the very last page. The author herself is a climber; I know the area, have been through Horsham many times, and know many of the surrounding towns that are mentioned. Skye is an excellent character, filled with compassion, smart as a whip and as loyal as they come. I thoroughly enjoyed The Crag and look forward to the next book from this already talented author. Highly recommended.
Senior Detective Elly Shaw and her partner, Detective Sam MacPherson of the Horsham police, were soon on the scene, along with forensics, while Skye waited on the sidelines. The investigation into who the woman was, how long she'd been there, and why she was 5km from Mount Arapiles, as it was presenting as a climbing accident, were on top of the Detectives' list to discover. And when Elly asked Skye to help with the climbing dynamics, Skye was happy to do so. But would they discover who had killed an innocent young backpacker?
The Crag is the debut novel by Aussie author Claire Sutherland and boy! What a cracker it was! It had me from the beginning - intense, gripping, filled with tension - until the very last page. The author herself is a climber; I know the area, have been through Horsham many times, and know many of the surrounding towns that are mentioned. Skye is an excellent character, filled with compassion, smart as a whip and as loyal as they come. I thoroughly enjoyed The Crag and look forward to the next book from this already talented author. Highly recommended.
September 15, 2024
What an excellent debut novel! Australian crime really is fantastic and I love to find anew author. Many thanks to Affirm Press for this lovely surprise bookmail that ai knew that I just had to read.
Set in the Wimmera region of Victoria, around Horsham, this was a police procedural with a difference. The area is known for its bushland and rock climbing areas, and one of our main characters, Skye, is a paramedic and a rock climbing enthusiast. When she finds the body of a young woman on an afternoon walk with her dogs, she is horrified but also intrigued, especially when the injuries appear to have come from rock climbing. The detective on the case, Elly, knows next to nothing about climbing so seconds Skye as an expert to help the police with the case.
I loved so much about this book. The amazing settings, the interesting rock climbing storyline, the friendship that develops between 2 women who seem to have little in common, and the love of AFL. I am guessing that the author is a St Kilda fan 😀 haha, you can dream…!! There is a strong theme of violence against women as well which was tough to read and so well written.
Get this one on your TBR, you will not regret it.
Set in the Wimmera region of Victoria, around Horsham, this was a police procedural with a difference. The area is known for its bushland and rock climbing areas, and one of our main characters, Skye, is a paramedic and a rock climbing enthusiast. When she finds the body of a young woman on an afternoon walk with her dogs, she is horrified but also intrigued, especially when the injuries appear to have come from rock climbing. The detective on the case, Elly, knows next to nothing about climbing so seconds Skye as an expert to help the police with the case.
I loved so much about this book. The amazing settings, the interesting rock climbing storyline, the friendship that develops between 2 women who seem to have little in common, and the love of AFL. I am guessing that the author is a St Kilda fan 😀 haha, you can dream…!! There is a strong theme of violence against women as well which was tough to read and so well written.
Get this one on your TBR, you will not regret it.
September 24, 2025
A fabulous debut novel.
I was immersed in the rock-climbing scene and really enjoyed the strong protagonist Skye, and her assistance in unraveling the mysterious death.
I was immersed in the rock-climbing scene and really enjoyed the strong protagonist Skye, and her assistance in unraveling the mysterious death.
September 9, 2024
⭐️4.5 Stars⭐️
What a brilliant debut and an absolutely gripping crime read, I’m still thinking about The Crag by Claire Sutherland, I loved the plot, the setting and the amazing rock-climbing storyline.
The story has plenty of atmospheric vibes and is set in and around the picturesque Wimmera region of Western Victoria and Mount Arapiles.
Skye, twenty-nine is a rock-climber and paramedic who discovers a woman’s body whilst walking her dogs. The woman has injuries not unlike a rock climbing accident but she’s found 5kms from the nearest cliffs.
Elly Shaw the senior detective on the case enlists Skye to assist with the case due to her rock-climbing knowledge of the area and together they uncover a sinister mystery.
With well thought out characters and an addictive plot it was easy to get immersed in this rock-climbing story. A must read for Aussie crime fiction fans.
Publication Date 30 July 2024
Publisher Affirm Press
Thank you so much AffirmPress for the surprise copy, I’m so grateful! 🙏
What a brilliant debut and an absolutely gripping crime read, I’m still thinking about The Crag by Claire Sutherland, I loved the plot, the setting and the amazing rock-climbing storyline.
The story has plenty of atmospheric vibes and is set in and around the picturesque Wimmera region of Western Victoria and Mount Arapiles.
Skye, twenty-nine is a rock-climber and paramedic who discovers a woman’s body whilst walking her dogs. The woman has injuries not unlike a rock climbing accident but she’s found 5kms from the nearest cliffs.
Elly Shaw the senior detective on the case enlists Skye to assist with the case due to her rock-climbing knowledge of the area and together they uncover a sinister mystery.
With well thought out characters and an addictive plot it was easy to get immersed in this rock-climbing story. A must read for Aussie crime fiction fans.
Publication Date 30 July 2024
Publisher Affirm Press
Thank you so much AffirmPress for the surprise copy, I’m so grateful! 🙏
July 29, 2024
Thank you so much Affirmpress for my ARC of this fantastic debut from Aussie Author Claire Sutherland
I was absolutely hooked in to this intriguing crime novel, it kept me guessing right until the very end
Set in the town of Mount Arapiled, located 300km from Melbourne, Victoria, Skye is out walking her dogs on one of her favourite tracks and discovers the dead body of a young woman.
After the autopsy reveals the young woman must have fallen from a nearby cliff, the Detective in charge of the case, Elly Shaw, recruits Skye to help with the case by explaining the world of rock climbing as well as guiding them through nearby locations
Skye is a paramedic and also an experienced rock climber and very familiar with the cliffs nearby, so Elly feels like she can trust her
At first Skye is elated to be apart of the case, but as the case progresses there appears to be more to this young woman’s tragic death than first thought..
I loved the rural Victoria backdrop of Horsham, such a wonderful key character in the narrative. It was so interesting learning about rock climbing and also added suspense to the story.
Highly recommend this great rock “criming” book!
I was absolutely hooked in to this intriguing crime novel, it kept me guessing right until the very end
Set in the town of Mount Arapiled, located 300km from Melbourne, Victoria, Skye is out walking her dogs on one of her favourite tracks and discovers the dead body of a young woman.
After the autopsy reveals the young woman must have fallen from a nearby cliff, the Detective in charge of the case, Elly Shaw, recruits Skye to help with the case by explaining the world of rock climbing as well as guiding them through nearby locations
Skye is a paramedic and also an experienced rock climber and very familiar with the cliffs nearby, so Elly feels like she can trust her
At first Skye is elated to be apart of the case, but as the case progresses there appears to be more to this young woman’s tragic death than first thought..
I loved the rural Victoria backdrop of Horsham, such a wonderful key character in the narrative. It was so interesting learning about rock climbing and also added suspense to the story.
Highly recommend this great rock “criming” book!
August 28, 2024
After reading many dull, paint by numbers Australian crime novels it’s refreshing to read one with such a solid sense of place and so rich in characters.
Skye & Elly feel fully formed. Vivid and well voiced. Every other character has that feeling of reality, like all the background faces in Jaws. They exist. They feel real. They speak and feel like they’re not just there for plot but living a life when they leave the scene.
The mystery may not be that mysterious, but it’s the journey. Being one step ahead of the plot never removes the tension as the characters are ones you’ve genuinely invested in.
I went in expecting Cliffhanger with Australian accents. What I got was far better. If Skye & Elly returned I’d be pretty pleased to catch up with them. If they don’t, I’d definitely read another book by this author.
Skye & Elly feel fully formed. Vivid and well voiced. Every other character has that feeling of reality, like all the background faces in Jaws. They exist. They feel real. They speak and feel like they’re not just there for plot but living a life when they leave the scene.
The mystery may not be that mysterious, but it’s the journey. Being one step ahead of the plot never removes the tension as the characters are ones you’ve genuinely invested in.
I went in expecting Cliffhanger with Australian accents. What I got was far better. If Skye & Elly returned I’d be pretty pleased to catch up with them. If they don’t, I’d definitely read another book by this author.
September 9, 2024
Really enjoyed this debut novel. Set in country town Horsham, Victoria. The character development, small town crime and the backdrop of climbing thrown into the mix was so good.
Full review to come
Full review to come
September 10, 2024
Thank you Affirm Press for sending us a copy to read and review.
The dry, flat plains around the Wimmera come alive as their rocky outcrops or crags are a popular rock climbing destination.
The discovery of a body in the vicinity of the rocky areas unleashes an intense investigation.
No rock is left unturned.
Skye found the body of a young woman and was immediately drawn into the investigation with her police friends.
Piecing together the mystery reveals darkness that hides behind closed doors.
As the investigation intensifies the truth becomes closer.
A killer is on the loose and does not want to be found.
The landscape and atmosphere were vivid and the harshness of the western districts matches the fear and the unknown.
It was a narrative that kept the reader guessing and had a plot that was multi dimensional as the reveal was one of a few leads.
Australian crime books are becoming a firm favourite for me.
The dry, flat plains around the Wimmera come alive as their rocky outcrops or crags are a popular rock climbing destination.
The discovery of a body in the vicinity of the rocky areas unleashes an intense investigation.
No rock is left unturned.
Skye found the body of a young woman and was immediately drawn into the investigation with her police friends.
Piecing together the mystery reveals darkness that hides behind closed doors.
As the investigation intensifies the truth becomes closer.
A killer is on the loose and does not want to be found.
The landscape and atmosphere were vivid and the harshness of the western districts matches the fear and the unknown.
It was a narrative that kept the reader guessing and had a plot that was multi dimensional as the reveal was one of a few leads.
Australian crime books are becoming a firm favourite for me.
July 28, 2024
If you are looking for a murder mystery with all the twists and turns, this one is for you. I had NO idea 'who dunnit' until it was revealed (but I'm not always great at this!).
Set in the west of Victoria, around Mount Arapiles, we follow Skye and Callum. They have moved to the region to both get away from the temptations of Melbourne and take advantage of the great rock climbing. But when Skye discovers the body of a young woman during her daily dog walk, things don't seem as idyllic as they appear. Taken on as an 'expert' to help the police in their invetigations, Skye soon finds out more about her community than she had ever hoped to.
Set in the west of Victoria, around Mount Arapiles, we follow Skye and Callum. They have moved to the region to both get away from the temptations of Melbourne and take advantage of the great rock climbing. But when Skye discovers the body of a young woman during her daily dog walk, things don't seem as idyllic as they appear. Taken on as an 'expert' to help the police in their invetigations, Skye soon finds out more about her community than she had ever hoped to.
July 24, 2024
Rock climber Skye discovers a dead body hidden on a remote walking track with injuries that suggest a rock climbing accident- only the body of the young woman is more than 5km from the nearest cliffs. Skye is thrilled to be asked to help the police with their investigation, sharing her knowledge of rock climbing - however when it’s revealed the young woman was caught up in foul play, instead of an accident- she turns to fear with the killer on the loose.
.
I thought the whole idea of this story was brilliant- I have never read anything like it. It was very original bringing in the rock climbing aspect into a crime thriller. I am such a fan of short chapters to keep you engaged. It is an enjoyable, page turning read, and I definitely recommend it to anyone who loves this genre. I loved the setting of Mount Arapiles, the Wimmera, Horsham area in Western Victoria -
It’s not very often I read a whole book in one day, but I absolutely devoured this.
.
I thought the whole idea of this story was brilliant- I have never read anything like it. It was very original bringing in the rock climbing aspect into a crime thriller. I am such a fan of short chapters to keep you engaged. It is an enjoyable, page turning read, and I definitely recommend it to anyone who loves this genre. I loved the setting of Mount Arapiles, the Wimmera, Horsham area in Western Victoria -
It’s not very often I read a whole book in one day, but I absolutely devoured this.
July 2, 2024
I know very little about the world of rock climbing, let alone read books featuring this sport.
And whilst rock climbing does play a big role in this intriguing police procedural - not knowing anything about it does nothing to detract from the enjoyment of this thrilling story.
There are so many things to love about this book....
Strong female leading characters....
A unique setting that highlights to beauty of the Wimmera district in Western Victoria...
A crime that will keep you guessing right until the final, nail-biting, conclusion...
And the arrival of a new Aussie crime writer that I hope will continue to entertain us with more amazing reads for years to come.
I very much enjoyed this debut novel, and highly recommend it to anyone who loves a story that grabs hold of you and doesn't let go until the final page.
And whilst rock climbing does play a big role in this intriguing police procedural - not knowing anything about it does nothing to detract from the enjoyment of this thrilling story.
There are so many things to love about this book....
Strong female leading characters....
A unique setting that highlights to beauty of the Wimmera district in Western Victoria...
A crime that will keep you guessing right until the final, nail-biting, conclusion...
And the arrival of a new Aussie crime writer that I hope will continue to entertain us with more amazing reads for years to come.
I very much enjoyed this debut novel, and highly recommend it to anyone who loves a story that grabs hold of you and doesn't let go until the final page.
December 12, 2024
The Crag by Aussie author Claire Sutherland is a well-written debut novel. I found this book very atmospheric which made it a page-turner and held my attention to the last page. I honestly thought the rock-climbing storyline would bore me a little, but it didn’t at all and I enjoyed the detailed descriptions of the landscapes. Well worth reading and I can’t wait to see what this author writes next. Highly recommended.
September 14, 2025
One of the easiest 5 stars I've given this year, I was hooked right from the start. Maybe I'm biased because it's set in Australia (although it's in Victoria, ew) or because its rock climbing related, but I loved every second of this book. It was never rushed or dull, just a slow build as we found at more and more along with Ellie and Skye. The atmosphere of this book made me constantly envious and desperate to escape to their world (minus the dead people). I've always wanted to start rock climbing and honestly this book might have just given me the push to do it.
P.S, I FUCKING KNEW IT WAS HIM. IT TOOK ME A WHILE BUT I KNEW IT.
P.S, I FUCKING KNEW IT WAS HIM. IT TOOK ME A WHILE BUT I KNEW IT.
September 7, 2024
4.5, would have been a 5 star except i actually figured out who 'done it' (not something I manage often) Such wonderful description of place and activity. I know nothing of climbing, but the description is factual and easy to understand, without being preachy. Would like to read more of Elly, with a bit of Skye thrown in.
November 27, 2024
Australian crime fiction, particularly in rural settings, is really coming along, and this is no exception.
This novel has it all, strong female characters, a good mystery, and some clear suspects. What let it down slightly for me was that I guessed who dunnit too early.
I really enjoyed the setting, and if I wasn't terrified of heights, and if I was a little bit athletic, the novel could almost convince me to try climbing.
This novel has it all, strong female characters, a good mystery, and some clear suspects. What let it down slightly for me was that I guessed who dunnit too early.
I really enjoyed the setting, and if I wasn't terrified of heights, and if I was a little bit athletic, the novel could almost convince me to try climbing.
January 7, 2025
3.5 ⭐️ rounded up
I thoroughly enjoyed The Crag but I knew straightaway that Callum and/or Andrew were somehow involved in the death of Adelita. And it’s not because I’m some super sleuth; the writing just isn’t subtle or sophisticated enough to make it a surprise.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Crag but I knew straightaway that Callum and/or Andrew were somehow involved in the death of Adelita. And it’s not because I’m some super sleuth; the writing just isn’t subtle or sophisticated enough to make it a surprise.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 20, 2025
Great writing. An easy style with believable characters and familiar landscapes.
I really enjoyed the bouldering descriptions.
I understand that it's a debut novel, so I look forward to another from this author.
I really enjoyed the bouldering descriptions.
I understand that it's a debut novel, so I look forward to another from this author.
November 7, 2025
A great read, really enjoyed it.
September 14, 2024
Atmospheric and thrilling Australian crime novel set in the Wimmera region of country Victoria, centering around Horsham, Mount Arapiles and the surrounding mountains, with an occasional foray into Melbourne. Skye Sayers, a paramedic and avid rock-climber is out walking her two dogs, Mack and Murphy, when they stumble upon a dead body, buried in a lime pit, on a derelict farm. The local police, Senior Detective Elly Shaw and Detective Sam McPherson, second Skye to their investigation. Filled with rock climbing detail, painstaking police investigations, domestic violence, drug addiction, evocative landscapes, and told through the experiences of both Skye and Elly, this is a gripping and fascinating Australian crime story. Contains coarse language.
September 17, 2024
I don’t read a lot of crime fiction, so can’t say how this would rate for aficionados, but must say I found it a page turner. The desolate countryside and ancient rocky landscape give a Wolf Creek like horror to the more common reality of domestic violence.
September 18, 2024
Good Aussie mystery murder. Liked the setting and the familiarity of the Wimmera
June 17, 2024
Thanks Affirm for my ARC!
I loved the overall moodiness of this book, brought about by our characters, but more so the actual setting for the story. This book starts and finishes at Mount Arapiles, with many visits in between. In attempting to solve the secrets that the Mountain holds on to, the tale journeys between Melbourne and the small country town where the action takes place.
Skye is a rock climber and a paramedic. Not only does she find the body but she becomes entangled in the search for the killer. Is it a local, or a tourist with knowledge of the Mountain. Who could have pulled this off so successfully?? The answer may shock and surprise you...
I loved the overall moodiness of this book, brought about by our characters, but more so the actual setting for the story. This book starts and finishes at Mount Arapiles, with many visits in between. In attempting to solve the secrets that the Mountain holds on to, the tale journeys between Melbourne and the small country town where the action takes place.
Skye is a rock climber and a paramedic. Not only does she find the body but she becomes entangled in the search for the killer. Is it a local, or a tourist with knowledge of the Mountain. Who could have pulled this off so successfully?? The answer may shock and surprise you...
October 1, 2024
The Crag is a tense crime thriller set in the rock-climbing world in Australia, in regional Victoria in the Mount Arapiles region. My parents were mountaineers and I spent most of my childhood holidays climbing, scrambling and hiking so I was really excited to see a novel set in this world.
The prologue shows a murder, then we flash forward to Chapter One where the main female character, Skye, a paramedic and volunteer in the local mountain rescue team, is halfway through a dramatic rescue. Shortly after this, a body is found and a murder investigation begins. Early clues suggest a connection to the climbing world, so Skye is brought in to advise and assist the police.
There are lots of climbing scenes in this book, from rescues to solos, bouldering and couples climbing together. I loved learning about this world. These scenes were tense and action-packed, with the constant threat of danger.
The best climber in the world could fall off the easiest route. A hand hold could break away, a bird could erupt out of a hidden cranny...
The author is clearly a keen rock climber because the climbers and climbing scenes felt really authentic and full of tiny vivid detail, like the way modern day climbers often use a colour of chalk that matches the colour of the rock they're climbing on, to leave less of a mark on the environment.
'I'm going,' she shouted. Even after all those years of climbing, the moments before a fall were still pure animal terror...
There were various suspects for the murder, and the story kept me guessing all the way to the end.
Immersive, addictive and thrilling!
The prologue shows a murder, then we flash forward to Chapter One where the main female character, Skye, a paramedic and volunteer in the local mountain rescue team, is halfway through a dramatic rescue. Shortly after this, a body is found and a murder investigation begins. Early clues suggest a connection to the climbing world, so Skye is brought in to advise and assist the police.
There are lots of climbing scenes in this book, from rescues to solos, bouldering and couples climbing together. I loved learning about this world. These scenes were tense and action-packed, with the constant threat of danger.
The best climber in the world could fall off the easiest route. A hand hold could break away, a bird could erupt out of a hidden cranny...
The author is clearly a keen rock climber because the climbers and climbing scenes felt really authentic and full of tiny vivid detail, like the way modern day climbers often use a colour of chalk that matches the colour of the rock they're climbing on, to leave less of a mark on the environment.
'I'm going,' she shouted. Even after all those years of climbing, the moments before a fall were still pure animal terror...
There were various suspects for the murder, and the story kept me guessing all the way to the end.
Immersive, addictive and thrilling!
October 6, 2024
Oh my, this book sucked me in from the get go! This book focuses on the protagonist Skye locating a body walking out of town in bushland, and the subsequent mystery surrounding who it is and why they were murdered and dumped in the middle of nowhere.
From the picturesque descriptions of the Grampians, the towns nearby, and the trips back into Melbourne felt so unbelievably real as someone who moved away from Melbourne for a tree change.
I was fascinated by all the rock climbing at Mt Arapiles and the concept of rock climbers flocking to this area.
A really gripping Aussie crime story, with amazing build ups and suspense, I was bouncing around reading this with anticipation. I finished it in 24 hours which is a testament to Claire Sutherland’s writing! Can’t wait to see what else Claire writes in her future!
A stand out read for me this year!
Thanks to the publisher for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
From the picturesque descriptions of the Grampians, the towns nearby, and the trips back into Melbourne felt so unbelievably real as someone who moved away from Melbourne for a tree change.
I was fascinated by all the rock climbing at Mt Arapiles and the concept of rock climbers flocking to this area.
A really gripping Aussie crime story, with amazing build ups and suspense, I was bouncing around reading this with anticipation. I finished it in 24 hours which is a testament to Claire Sutherland’s writing! Can’t wait to see what else Claire writes in her future!
A stand out read for me this year!
Thanks to the publisher for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 7, 2025
I absolutely loved this book.
I am probably biased, but it is the first book where I could understand the context in which the plot takes place.
The story takes place in Australia in Horsham, a little country town in Victoria. As I also live in the Victorian countryside, it was interesting to come across so many cultural and geographic references. I enjoyed this book mostly because of it, though the plot was captivating, too.
The only grain of salt was the fact that it became very obvious in the second third of the book, who might be a potential killer. But I guess it was close to the end, so I might be picky.
I would definitely recommend giving it a go, especially if you are or lived in Australia, though it's not limited to it.
I am probably biased, but it is the first book where I could understand the context in which the plot takes place.
The story takes place in Australia in Horsham, a little country town in Victoria. As I also live in the Victorian countryside, it was interesting to come across so many cultural and geographic references. I enjoyed this book mostly because of it, though the plot was captivating, too.
The only grain of salt was the fact that it became very obvious in the second third of the book, who might be a potential killer. But I guess it was close to the end, so I might be picky.
I would definitely recommend giving it a go, especially if you are or lived in Australia, though it's not limited to it.
July 28, 2024
3.5 stars
Promising debut.
One rock climbers will especially enjoy, with a little bit of depth given to the art of rock climbing. However if you're not a rock climber, it's still a read to enjoy.
Our main character Skye is a rock climber and an emergency services worker. Skye finds the body of a young woman, whose injuries suggest a potential rock climbing accident, and Skye is engaged as a consultant by the police to assist with the case.
Plenty of surprises in this engaging plot. My only criticism is that a few of the "coincidences" needed to gel the story together were a little too convenient. Let that slide and it's still a good read.
Promising debut.
One rock climbers will especially enjoy, with a little bit of depth given to the art of rock climbing. However if you're not a rock climber, it's still a read to enjoy.
Our main character Skye is a rock climber and an emergency services worker. Skye finds the body of a young woman, whose injuries suggest a potential rock climbing accident, and Skye is engaged as a consultant by the police to assist with the case.
Plenty of surprises in this engaging plot. My only criticism is that a few of the "coincidences" needed to gel the story together were a little too convenient. Let that slide and it's still a good read.
October 25, 2024
3.5 ⭐️ Took me a while to get into, but when I did, I stayed up way too late on a school night to finish. I live in the Wimmera and it was great to read about some ‘real life’ places mentioned. The story was captivating and the short chapters allowed me to read while waiting at school pick up. However…one small gripe with both this and ‘Wire and Bone’ by Colin King - it is possible to get good, even great coffee in Horsham. And if you’re up for more exploring, check out the Little Desert and Dimboola Store for AMAZING coffee.
November 5, 2024
I’ve been sitting on this one not knowing how to rate it. It’s not a genre I’d normally read or love. The depiction of the Australian landscape, tying in the love of AFL and cafe culture, touching on the pandemic and the differences between rural and metropolitan Victoria. Then combining that with the very real ice epidemic and violence against women in Australia. The issues in this book felt so very very very real. Which is both alarming and horrifying. For a new Australian author this debut was a triumph.
November 24, 2024
Loved it. Loved it. Loved it.
I read this book over a couple of days, finding it hard to put down. An Australian rural murder mystery set at the foot of Mount Arapiles in Victoria. The plot is tight, multiple characters are interesting and intriguing, and the last 40 pages had me on the edge of my seat. Climbing is a major factor in this story and I loved learning more about it as well as seeing how well it added to the suspense of the novel.
So enjoyable. I almost wish I saved it for my next holiday!
I hope this author has written more books for me to read 🤎
I read this book over a couple of days, finding it hard to put down. An Australian rural murder mystery set at the foot of Mount Arapiles in Victoria. The plot is tight, multiple characters are interesting and intriguing, and the last 40 pages had me on the edge of my seat. Climbing is a major factor in this story and I loved learning more about it as well as seeing how well it added to the suspense of the novel.
So enjoyable. I almost wish I saved it for my next holiday!
I hope this author has written more books for me to read 🤎
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