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The Pool
Prince of spin and life of the party, Baz King, is missing. Nine years ago, at an innocent summer barbecue in Melbourne, everything imploded. For the Kings and the four other young families there that fateful day marriages fractured, friendships crumbled and lives were upended.
Nothing would ever be the same.
Now in their forties and their children teenagers, Baz King cannot be found. Has his charm finally run out? With a history of dodgy dealings and no shortage of motives, anyone could be a suspect – his ex-wife, Birdie; his colleague, Alex Turner; his lover, Jess and her husband, Richard; his friend’s nanny and new wife, Madison – who wants him out of the picture?
A biting domestic noir, The Pool examines the enduring shrapnel of if you witness the worst thing imaginable, how does it change you? Could it make you a murderer?
Nothing would ever be the same.
Now in their forties and their children teenagers, Baz King cannot be found. Has his charm finally run out? With a history of dodgy dealings and no shortage of motives, anyone could be a suspect – his ex-wife, Birdie; his colleague, Alex Turner; his lover, Jess and her husband, Richard; his friend’s nanny and new wife, Madison – who wants him out of the picture?
A biting domestic noir, The Pool examines the enduring shrapnel of if you witness the worst thing imaginable, how does it change you? Could it make you a murderer?
Kindle Edition
Published December 31, 2024
317 people are currently reading
3648 people want to read
About the author
Hannah Tunnicliffe
7 books148 followersHannah Tunnicliffe is the author of several books for kids and adults including The Pool, The Colour of Tea, Season of Salt and Honey, A French Wedding and the trilingual picture book, Marjory and the Mouse. She is the co-creator of the Detective Stanley series published by Flying Eye Books. Her work has featured in the New York Times Book Review and she is the founder and host of the body acceptance podcast, Bod Almighty. She is an eating disorder survivor, career and youth counsellor and holds a degree in social sciences and psychology.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 247 reviews
December 26, 2024
A summer pool party and BBQ will change the lives of so many. This group of friends will never be the same again. Now, we see how things have changed as a result of what happened that day.
This is an emotional story, one that makes you think about how you would cope, what you would do. There are a lot of characters to get your head around, and it did take me a little bit to get them straight. Parents and children behaving badly, trying to make sense of things. Marriages suffer, new relationships are formed. When one of them goes missing, not everyone is sad about it. I loved that there were so many people who could have done something to Baz King.
There were plenty of surprising moments in this story, not at all predictable which is always a plus for me. A great read.
Thanks to Ultimo Press for my early copy of this book to read. Publishes in Australia on December 31st.
This is an emotional story, one that makes you think about how you would cope, what you would do. There are a lot of characters to get your head around, and it did take me a little bit to get them straight. Parents and children behaving badly, trying to make sense of things. Marriages suffer, new relationships are formed. When one of them goes missing, not everyone is sad about it. I loved that there were so many people who could have done something to Baz King.
There were plenty of surprising moments in this story, not at all predictable which is always a plus for me. A great read.
Thanks to Ultimo Press for my early copy of this book to read. Publishes in Australia on December 31st.
March 7, 2025
A thought-provoking story, exploring the lasting impacts of witnessing a tragedy, alongside plenty of psychological suspense.
At a family BBQ and pool party in Melbourne, an unimaginable tragedy occurs. Resulting in fractured friendships, marriage breakdowns and lives forever changed.
More than nine years later, the king of spin and dodgy deals, Baz King is missing. There are plenty of people with a motive to hurt him, but who has taken him out of the picture?
This was an emotional read, filled with grief, mystery, lies, drama, and betrayal.
I enjoyed the audiobook, that was well-narrated by Melanie Vallejo and Jamie Oxenbould.
Keen to read more from Australian author Hannah Tunnicliffe!
Format: Audiobook, thanks to Libby
Listen time: 8 hours, 34 minutes
At a family BBQ and pool party in Melbourne, an unimaginable tragedy occurs. Resulting in fractured friendships, marriage breakdowns and lives forever changed.
More than nine years later, the king of spin and dodgy deals, Baz King is missing. There are plenty of people with a motive to hurt him, but who has taken him out of the picture?
This was an emotional read, filled with grief, mystery, lies, drama, and betrayal.
I enjoyed the audiobook, that was well-narrated by Melanie Vallejo and Jamie Oxenbould.
Keen to read more from Australian author Hannah Tunnicliffe!
Format: Audiobook, thanks to Libby
Listen time: 8 hours, 34 minutes
January 31, 2025
Way too confusing with too many characters :(
June 11, 2025
A very easy read that I did enjoy
*editing my review to add that no grown man should go by ‘Baz’
*editing my review to add that no grown man should go by ‘Baz’
January 12, 2025
Zara McDonald from Shameless recommended this book and I am a fiend for her recommendations. A classic domestic thriller - easy to read with pacy chapters and a variety of characters’ POVs. Bonus points for being set in Melbourne with iconic settings (eg my fav Pellegrini’s).
January 13, 2025
great, pacey read
April 13, 2025
I little dip in the pool - here it is,, based in Melbourne so it peaked my interest; because Melbourne is the best. Hopes were high,, a book based around a tragedy that happens at a pool party, I also love a pool party (not when it turns out badly ofc) But that’s all I liked, there were way too many characters who had random side quests that didn’t help the narrative at all. Multiple characters had their own perspectives and I found I liked none of them. All the characters were deeply flawed and messy but not in a slay way in like fuck me just sort your shit out kinda way. Very slow paced, very hard to follow and no pay off at the end. No plot twist? No nothing. Honestly the 1.5 star is for it being based in Melbourne.
December 13, 2024
Got my hands on an ARC and I’m so glad I did!
The best kind of domestic noir. It’s giving tragedy, drama, mystery. I enjoyed the multiple points of view, switching characters as layers of the story unfolded. I also liked the way the story was laid out, with different sections for each stage. The characters themselves were well fleshed out and intriguing, given the short time the author had to cover everyone. I was sucked in from the first chapter, anxious to find out what happened. I was kept engrossed throughout, and while I was guided towards the ending, I didn’t pick it which I love. Often books like this get a little predictable and this one didn’t!
The best kind of domestic noir. It’s giving tragedy, drama, mystery. I enjoyed the multiple points of view, switching characters as layers of the story unfolded. I also liked the way the story was laid out, with different sections for each stage. The characters themselves were well fleshed out and intriguing, given the short time the author had to cover everyone. I was sucked in from the first chapter, anxious to find out what happened. I was kept engrossed throughout, and while I was guided towards the ending, I didn’t pick it which I love. Often books like this get a little predictable and this one didn’t!
April 12, 2025
3.5 stars (rounded to 4 cause I’m nice)
I liked this! It was a really well paced, domestic thriller with a Melbourne setting. I really enjoyed the writing and different story telling techniques used here. I flew through this in days and loved having it as a holiday read.
However there was so many POVs that I did have to work hard to keep track of who was who. And lastly, the ending was satisfying but a bit underwhelming.
I liked this! It was a really well paced, domestic thriller with a Melbourne setting. I really enjoyed the writing and different story telling techniques used here. I flew through this in days and loved having it as a holiday read.
However there was so many POVs that I did have to work hard to keep track of who was who. And lastly, the ending was satisfying but a bit underwhelming.
January 7, 2025
I really enjoyed the ride, I’m still a little unsure about the ending though. The mystery surrounding Baz King’s disappearance, paired with the complex, morally grey characters, kept me hooked from start to finish. I loved how the story unfolded with multiple perspectives, offering a deeper look into each character’s trauma and secrets.
The buildup to the mystery was gripping, and the drama surrounding the pool party tragedy had me questioning everyone’s motives. The writing was sharp, and while it was a bit tricky to keep track of all the characters at first, once the pieces started falling into place, I couldn’t stop reading.
However, I have to admit, the ending left me a tad deflated. But that didn’t take away from the fact that it was a gripping, thought-provoking read overall. Definitely one I’d recommend for those who love a good domestic thriller with lots of drama!
Thank you to Ultimo Press for kindly gifting me this copy.
The buildup to the mystery was gripping, and the drama surrounding the pool party tragedy had me questioning everyone’s motives. The writing was sharp, and while it was a bit tricky to keep track of all the characters at first, once the pieces started falling into place, I couldn’t stop reading.
However, I have to admit, the ending left me a tad deflated. But that didn’t take away from the fact that it was a gripping, thought-provoking read overall. Definitely one I’d recommend for those who love a good domestic thriller with lots of drama!
Thank you to Ultimo Press for kindly gifting me this copy.
January 12, 2025
If she has a million fans, I am not one of them. If she has one fan it’s definitely not me.
January 21, 2025
Lowkey mad at every character.
February 16, 2025
kinda wished there was a bigger plot twist
January 5, 2025
⭐️4.5 Stars⭐️
Nine years ago a terribly heartbreaking tragedy at a pool party changes the lives of everyone attending. This is a fast paced and gripping domestic drama full of mystery.
The Pool by Hannah Tunnicliffe features a big cast of mostly morally ambiguous characters and the group of families attending that day were connected through their children and work but not all of them were close friends.
Now in their forties and their kids have grown up we follow the mysterious disappearance of one of them Baz King, father, husband, life of the party and a charmer has gone missing.
Lies, secrets, grief, betrayal, friendships, family relationships and crime feature in this engaging and compelling read that will draw you in. The perfect summer read, plenty of drama!
Publication Date 01 January 2024
Publisher Ultimo Press
Thanks so much Ultimo Press for sending me this exciting book
Nine years ago a terribly heartbreaking tragedy at a pool party changes the lives of everyone attending. This is a fast paced and gripping domestic drama full of mystery.
The Pool by Hannah Tunnicliffe features a big cast of mostly morally ambiguous characters and the group of families attending that day were connected through their children and work but not all of them were close friends.
Now in their forties and their kids have grown up we follow the mysterious disappearance of one of them Baz King, father, husband, life of the party and a charmer has gone missing.
Lies, secrets, grief, betrayal, friendships, family relationships and crime feature in this engaging and compelling read that will draw you in. The perfect summer read, plenty of drama!
Publication Date 01 January 2024
Publisher Ultimo Press
Thanks so much Ultimo Press for sending me this exciting book
January 4, 2025
From the first page, this is the ultimate summer thriller. I can feel the Aussie Summer pouring out from the pages, Hanna Tunnicliffe captures it perfectly.
Money and how we appear is a huge part of this novel. The way you present yourself and your family, who has the most expensive renovations, who can afford a pool. It's all part of 'fitting in' in this neighbourhood. Say the right thing, act the right way and be rewarded with a friend group, do the opposite, recieve the opposite. Ostracism.
For the first 70 pages, the changing point of view was confusing. Mainly because we didn't truly know the characters yet. It began with the impression of being solely from Birdies point of view, so the change was a little abrupt. Stick with it though, that confusion adds to the story, how lives are intertwined after shared grief and trauma.
The Pool is a poignant reminder of how grief and trauma bind us. How it changes us in different ways. How for some, life goes on, and for others it freezes, stagnates.
This one is a slow paced, domestic noir, well written and keeps you constantly wondering if the narrator from that point of view is reliable or trying to paint themselves in a positive light. It makes you constantly second guess each character, the more information about Baz's death we are told, the more it becomes uncertain. Engaging and thought provoking. Cleverly done.
Thankyou to UltimoPress for sending a review copy of this title. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Money and how we appear is a huge part of this novel. The way you present yourself and your family, who has the most expensive renovations, who can afford a pool. It's all part of 'fitting in' in this neighbourhood. Say the right thing, act the right way and be rewarded with a friend group, do the opposite, recieve the opposite. Ostracism.
For the first 70 pages, the changing point of view was confusing. Mainly because we didn't truly know the characters yet. It began with the impression of being solely from Birdies point of view, so the change was a little abrupt. Stick with it though, that confusion adds to the story, how lives are intertwined after shared grief and trauma.
The Pool is a poignant reminder of how grief and trauma bind us. How it changes us in different ways. How for some, life goes on, and for others it freezes, stagnates.
This one is a slow paced, domestic noir, well written and keeps you constantly wondering if the narrator from that point of view is reliable or trying to paint themselves in a positive light. It makes you constantly second guess each character, the more information about Baz's death we are told, the more it becomes uncertain. Engaging and thought provoking. Cleverly done.
Thankyou to UltimoPress for sending a review copy of this title. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 1, 2025
The Pool is a gripping domestic suspense novel set in my hometown of Melbourne.
Nine years ago, a tragic death at a summer party tore apart the lives of everyone present. Marriages fell apart, friendships were severed and some moved away to start over. Larger than life Baz King was there that day. He makes his living out of charming people and making problems disappear, but when he goes missing there are so many possible scenarios that no one can begin to guess what has happened.
Hannah has crafted a compelling story full of morally grey characters to whom appearances are more important than anything else. I loved seeing things through the eyes of the various characters. All the parents from the fateful bbq are now in their forties and their children are teens. Looking at where their lives have gone and the ongoing effects of grief, guilt and trauma was incredibly thought provoking and engaging.
The mystery of Baz’s disappearance is at the centre of this novel, but it’s everyone else and their lives that make this such a powerful and ultimately hopeful read.
Nine years ago, a tragic death at a summer party tore apart the lives of everyone present. Marriages fell apart, friendships were severed and some moved away to start over. Larger than life Baz King was there that day. He makes his living out of charming people and making problems disappear, but when he goes missing there are so many possible scenarios that no one can begin to guess what has happened.
Hannah has crafted a compelling story full of morally grey characters to whom appearances are more important than anything else. I loved seeing things through the eyes of the various characters. All the parents from the fateful bbq are now in their forties and their children are teens. Looking at where their lives have gone and the ongoing effects of grief, guilt and trauma was incredibly thought provoking and engaging.
The mystery of Baz’s disappearance is at the centre of this novel, but it’s everyone else and their lives that make this such a powerful and ultimately hopeful read.
January 7, 2025
A intriguing domestic drama thriller who, what, why and how that packs serious punch
At a summer barbecue nine years ago, lives changed forever. A horrible tragedy occurred and no one will ever be the same again . The King’s, Turner’s, Meyer’s and Dhillon’s are now intertwined forever
Almost a decade later, each family is invited to a sort of ‘reunion’ at Tamsin Turner’s house. The invitation is gorgeous, and all the recipients are cautious and apprehensive to accept.
On the eve of the party, Baz King goes missing. He is the larger than life figure of all the parties. The person you want to know and be around, and now he is missing without a trace.
Who would want him out of the picture? Many have motive, but who could actually commit the crime?
I was absolutely glued to every page! This book is a fantastic domestic thriller, perfectly paced with that excellent side of slow burn giving nothing away until the epic conclusion
Thank you so much Ultimopress for my gifted copy of this wonderful book
Can’t wait to see what Hannah writes next!
At a summer barbecue nine years ago, lives changed forever. A horrible tragedy occurred and no one will ever be the same again . The King’s, Turner’s, Meyer’s and Dhillon’s are now intertwined forever
Almost a decade later, each family is invited to a sort of ‘reunion’ at Tamsin Turner’s house. The invitation is gorgeous, and all the recipients are cautious and apprehensive to accept.
On the eve of the party, Baz King goes missing. He is the larger than life figure of all the parties. The person you want to know and be around, and now he is missing without a trace.
Who would want him out of the picture? Many have motive, but who could actually commit the crime?
I was absolutely glued to every page! This book is a fantastic domestic thriller, perfectly paced with that excellent side of slow burn giving nothing away until the epic conclusion
Thank you so much Ultimopress for my gifted copy of this wonderful book
Can’t wait to see what Hannah writes next!
January 16, 2025
I read this based on a recommendation from the shameless pod so i didn’t even read the blurb, i just jumped straight in.. no pun intended. Loved the references to towns near where I live, at times the plot and subplots were a bit boring and contrived. I love a good plot twist but this didn’t really have any or if it did, i didn’t get it - perhaps that’s a me problem because I expect all books of this genre to blow me away but it didn’t.. I think this book had potential to have follow up novels as there were too many storyline’s left unfinished…but one thing i know for sure - they all need to go to therapy for one reason or another.
March 9, 2025
If you liked The Slap and anything by Liane Moriarty or Sally Hepworth, you’ll love this
January 1, 2025
Big thanks to Ultimo Press for sending us a copy to read and review.
A pool party that ends in tragedy changes the lives of those who attended forever.
Hannah’s latest suburban domestic drama is a fast paced, thrilling and emotional read.
Nine years ago, a tragic accident affects a summer afternoon barbecue.
Now years later, Baz King has disappeared.
Where and what happened is on everyone’s minds.
Baz is not far from the drama and problems follow him.
Does it have something to do with the past……
Everyone is a suspect and the web of entanglement is just the beginning…..
It took me a moment to get my head around the timelines and the abundance of characters, but once that sorted itself out, I was curious and ready to find out the truth.
Two sittings later, I had devoured the book and was very satisfied with my involvement.
A totally immersive experience.
A pool party that ends in tragedy changes the lives of those who attended forever.
Hannah’s latest suburban domestic drama is a fast paced, thrilling and emotional read.
Nine years ago, a tragic accident affects a summer afternoon barbecue.
Now years later, Baz King has disappeared.
Where and what happened is on everyone’s minds.
Baz is not far from the drama and problems follow him.
Does it have something to do with the past……
Everyone is a suspect and the web of entanglement is just the beginning…..
It took me a moment to get my head around the timelines and the abundance of characters, but once that sorted itself out, I was curious and ready to find out the truth.
Two sittings later, I had devoured the book and was very satisfied with my involvement.
A totally immersive experience.
April 20, 2025
I really enjoyed this book, whilst it felt like I was blitzing through a psychological domestic thriller it was so much more than that.
Essentially the story centers around characters involved in a traumatic event 9 years earlier and how they are all connected through trauma, deceit, manipulation, love and complex friendships. Each chapter focused on a different character but progressed the story. At times this was frustrating because sometimes I wanted certain characters chapters to be longer to learn more about them. But keeping it short and moving created intricacies and suspense.
I liked that the ending (for me) wasn’t super dramatic or mysterious, because it felt like it just painted a picture of how simply complicated everyone’s lives can become when impacted by trauma and how different it can look when you hear it from their perspective.
Essentially the story centers around characters involved in a traumatic event 9 years earlier and how they are all connected through trauma, deceit, manipulation, love and complex friendships. Each chapter focused on a different character but progressed the story. At times this was frustrating because sometimes I wanted certain characters chapters to be longer to learn more about them. But keeping it short and moving created intricacies and suspense.
I liked that the ending (for me) wasn’t super dramatic or mysterious, because it felt like it just painted a picture of how simply complicated everyone’s lives can become when impacted by trauma and how different it can look when you hear it from their perspective.
May 6, 2025
northcote mention!!
the melb references were a little overkill though. and lets make sure the audiobook narrator knows how to correctly pronounce the iconic landmark that is readings bookstore if we're hammering it home as much as we are..
the premise and first couple of chapters reeled me in but there were honestly just too many POV characters, many of whom felt totally pointless. there was nothing to really anchor the story and the ending was pretty underwhelming as well.
i was going to give this 3 stars but i'm finding it hard to think of things i can say i liked about this book other than it being easy to digest. it wasn't bad, just not especially interesting or enjoyable.
the melb references were a little overkill though. and lets make sure the audiobook narrator knows how to correctly pronounce the iconic landmark that is readings bookstore if we're hammering it home as much as we are..
the premise and first couple of chapters reeled me in but there were honestly just too many POV characters, many of whom felt totally pointless. there was nothing to really anchor the story and the ending was pretty underwhelming as well.
i was going to give this 3 stars but i'm finding it hard to think of things i can say i liked about this book other than it being easy to digest. it wasn't bad, just not especially interesting or enjoyable.
January 13, 2025
I loved this!! This story had so many layers to it and I didn’t expect it to go the way it did. The story is basically centred around a horrific event that happened at a pool party 9 years earlier. There’s a lot of characters which initially was hard to follow, but once you understood who they all were it obviously helped develop the many layers of this book. Definitely recommend for a fast paced, kind of who done it? (though it gives much more than that)
February 4, 2025
This was so enjoyable! Reminded me a little of Big Little Lies but felt fresh at the same time.
February 14, 2025
I want more of these characters! Loved them all.
February 16, 2025
2.5 ⭐️
Loved the idea of this but ultimately found that there were way too many characters and things going on to try and keep track of. Was confused most of the way through
Loved the idea of this but ultimately found that there were way too many characters and things going on to try and keep track of. Was confused most of the way through
March 6, 2025
Audiobook. Good narration, easy to follow as audio.
March 6, 2025
I couldn’t put it down! I loved the familiarity of the setting (Melbourne) and the character development was strong.
January 5, 2025
Some of the promotional material for The Pool by Hannah Tunnicliffe compared it to The Slap by Christos Tsiolkas which worried me a lot because I HATED The Slap. I'm not a parent and try to steer clear of books about warring parents and conflicting parenting styles because everyone's behaviour (parents and their children) is SOOOOO subjective. Happily, The Pool does not dwell on the tragedy that opens this book, in the sense that parents haven't lodged grievances against other parents and blame isn't thrown around between couples. Although we do learn - though the incident was an accident - some are more blameless than others!
I liked where Tunnicliffe takes this story and happily we don't sit in the immediate aftermath of the tragedy, but we leap ahead almost a decade. Everyone has moved on - as much as they can - but no one who was there the day has forgotten the incident.
In 'the present' there are several catalysts and so there's a question here as to whether larger-than-life Baz's disappearance relates to the tragedy nine years earlier; the unexpected (and potentially in-poor-taste) invitation to [another] pool party involving those attending the first; or something else in Baz's life. And given we learn the lobbyist keeps some very dodgy company it could easily be the latter.
Read my review here: https://www.debbish.com/books-literat...
I liked where Tunnicliffe takes this story and happily we don't sit in the immediate aftermath of the tragedy, but we leap ahead almost a decade. Everyone has moved on - as much as they can - but no one who was there the day has forgotten the incident.
In 'the present' there are several catalysts and so there's a question here as to whether larger-than-life Baz's disappearance relates to the tragedy nine years earlier; the unexpected (and potentially in-poor-taste) invitation to [another] pool party involving those attending the first; or something else in Baz's life. And given we learn the lobbyist keeps some very dodgy company it could easily be the latter.
Read my review here: https://www.debbish.com/books-literat...
January 14, 2025
This was a punchy, fast paced and bingeable read that I very much enjoyed! Probably one of the best tragedy/thriller/mystery novels set in Australia I’ve read for a long time. I did enjoy the different points of view but there was a lot of different characters and at times I did get confused and had to back track/refresh my memory. Would recommend!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 247 reviews