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The Grapevine
'The Grapevine took me hostage . . . Gorgeous writing, complex, nuanced characterisation . . . and the atmospheric setting of Canberra in the summer heat . . . A fascinating, engaging book.' MARIAN KEYES
There are secrets behind every closed door in the Warrah Place neighbourhood, and who killed Antonio Marietti is the biggest one of all . . .
It's the height of summer in Australia, 1979, and on a quiet suburban cul-de-sac in Canberra a housewife is scrubbing the yellow and white chequered tiles of the bathroom floor. But all is not as it seems. For one thing, it's 3 am. For another, she is trying desperately to remove all traces of blood before they stain. Her husband seems remarkably calm, considering he has just murdered their neighbour.
As the sun rises on Warrah Place, news of Antonio Marietti's death spreads like wildfire. Gossip is exchanged in whispers and suspicion mounts. Twelve-year-old Tammy launches her own investigation, determined to find out what happened, but she is not the only one whose well-meaning efforts uncover more mysteries than they solve.
There are secrets behind every closed door in the neighbourhood, and the identity of the murderer is only one of them . . .
'Kemp re-creates 1970s Canberra with deft elegance, triggering a time-travelling sensory overload with her prose . . . The result is a novel that doesn't just inhabit its time but dissects it with the keen curiosity of an anthropologist ready to catalogue its secrets.' THE SATURDAY PAPER
'a sensational study of characters, culture clashes, identity and the quest for change, with a murder backdrop' HERALD SUN
'Kemp is deft at crafting credible and complex suspects amid a 1970s suburban milieu that plays to nostalgia and pierces it, too.' THE SATURDAY AGE
'An atmospheric, slow-burn mystery with an unanticipated twist, more satisfying for drawing out the darkness and disorder under the prim veneer of suburban life' WA TODAY
'The Grapevine was a joy to read. Its flowing, witty prose and deft characterisation transported me effortlessly into a small suburban street in 1970s Australia' DIANNE YARWOOD
'With a youthful (and wilful) detective reminiscent of Tippy Chan from RWR McDonald's The Nancys and the heady nostalgia of Holly Throsby's Clarke, Kemp's debut is an engrossing slice of deceptive life.' BOOKS+PUBLISHING
There are secrets behind every closed door in the Warrah Place neighbourhood, and who killed Antonio Marietti is the biggest one of all . . .
It's the height of summer in Australia, 1979, and on a quiet suburban cul-de-sac in Canberra a housewife is scrubbing the yellow and white chequered tiles of the bathroom floor. But all is not as it seems. For one thing, it's 3 am. For another, she is trying desperately to remove all traces of blood before they stain. Her husband seems remarkably calm, considering he has just murdered their neighbour.
As the sun rises on Warrah Place, news of Antonio Marietti's death spreads like wildfire. Gossip is exchanged in whispers and suspicion mounts. Twelve-year-old Tammy launches her own investigation, determined to find out what happened, but she is not the only one whose well-meaning efforts uncover more mysteries than they solve.
There are secrets behind every closed door in the neighbourhood, and the identity of the murderer is only one of them . . .
'Kemp re-creates 1970s Canberra with deft elegance, triggering a time-travelling sensory overload with her prose . . . The result is a novel that doesn't just inhabit its time but dissects it with the keen curiosity of an anthropologist ready to catalogue its secrets.' THE SATURDAY PAPER
'a sensational study of characters, culture clashes, identity and the quest for change, with a murder backdrop' HERALD SUN
'Kemp is deft at crafting credible and complex suspects amid a 1970s suburban milieu that plays to nostalgia and pierces it, too.' THE SATURDAY AGE
'An atmospheric, slow-burn mystery with an unanticipated twist, more satisfying for drawing out the darkness and disorder under the prim veneer of suburban life' WA TODAY
'The Grapevine was a joy to read. Its flowing, witty prose and deft characterisation transported me effortlessly into a small suburban street in 1970s Australia' DIANNE YARWOOD
'With a youthful (and wilful) detective reminiscent of Tippy Chan from RWR McDonald's The Nancys and the heady nostalgia of Holly Throsby's Clarke, Kemp's debut is an engrossing slice of deceptive life.' BOOKS+PUBLISHING
435 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 13, 2025
107 people are currently reading
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 189 reviews
March 13, 2025
From the very start, The Grapevine gave me The List of Suspicious Things vibes, particularly with 12 year old Tammy having a little nosey around to try to find out what happened to 19 year old Antonio. To us readers, it's not necessarily a whodunnit because we’re pretty sure right from the start who the murderer is, but the residents of Warrah Place aren’t.
What we will quickly discover is that there are a lot of people keeping secrets in Warrah Place and they're all a little bit judgey! Well, maybe except for little Colin, who's not particularly had the best of times, until he befriends Tammy, who is not always happy to have Colin tag along on her spying escapades.
I really enjoyed this book set in a small community full of big characters, many of whom think they're a little bit better than those next door. But the lies will be uncovered, the secrets will come out and in the end everyone will get their comeuppance...won't they?
This is a great debut and I think, if you did enjoy The List of Suspicious Things, you'll definitely enjoy this too. A story of what it can be like to be different, but also a story of belonging and of family and friendship, and how everyone is not always what they seem. Fab!
What we will quickly discover is that there are a lot of people keeping secrets in Warrah Place and they're all a little bit judgey! Well, maybe except for little Colin, who's not particularly had the best of times, until he befriends Tammy, who is not always happy to have Colin tag along on her spying escapades.
I really enjoyed this book set in a small community full of big characters, many of whom think they're a little bit better than those next door. But the lies will be uncovered, the secrets will come out and in the end everyone will get their comeuppance...won't they?
This is a great debut and I think, if you did enjoy The List of Suspicious Things, you'll definitely enjoy this too. A story of what it can be like to be different, but also a story of belonging and of family and friendship, and how everyone is not always what they seem. Fab!
February 1, 2025
How is this even a debut novel, I was gripped from the beginning and couldn't read it quick enough. It's essentially a crime/mystery however the ultimate focus is on the residents of a close knit, almost a little clostrophobic community.
The characters were intriguing, I loved learning their secrets and discovering their lives behind closed doors. I felt that the characters were diverse which in this case added more depth to the storyline. From housewife's to single parents to a tween struggling with social dynamics. The whole dunnit just grew and grew.
I particularly liked the authors ability to create strong female characters who were living in a then male dominant period of time.
I can't wait to see what the author has in store for us next, Kemp is certainly one to watch out for.
Thank you to Netgalley and Orion Books for the opportunity to read this book.
The characters were intriguing, I loved learning their secrets and discovering their lives behind closed doors. I felt that the characters were diverse which in this case added more depth to the storyline. From housewife's to single parents to a tween struggling with social dynamics. The whole dunnit just grew and grew.
I particularly liked the authors ability to create strong female characters who were living in a then male dominant period of time.
I can't wait to see what the author has in store for us next, Kemp is certainly one to watch out for.
Thank you to Netgalley and Orion Books for the opportunity to read this book.
February 15, 2025
This isn’t an easy glimpse into 1979 Australia—misogyny, racism, xenophobia, homophobia, absentee mothers, and a murder at its core. Yet, at its heart, The Grapevine is about the women of Warrah Place—their mistakes, their longing to be seen and accepted, and, for some, their journey to finding their voice.
Kate Kemp crafts a compelling debut that explores the vulnerabilities and strengths of these women, creating complex, relatable figures silenced and shaped by their circumstances.
Told through the eyes of 12-year-old Tammy, desperate to solve the murder and redefine herself as she enters high school, this story is gripping, thought-provoking, and quietly stunning.
I *loved* it!
Released 11 February 2025.
Thank you @netgalley and @hachetteaus for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
#TheGrapevine #KateKemp #NetGalley #HachetteAustralia #AustralianStories #HistoricalFiction
Kate Kemp crafts a compelling debut that explores the vulnerabilities and strengths of these women, creating complex, relatable figures silenced and shaped by their circumstances.
Told through the eyes of 12-year-old Tammy, desperate to solve the murder and redefine herself as she enters high school, this story is gripping, thought-provoking, and quietly stunning.
I *loved* it!
Released 11 February 2025.
Thank you @netgalley and @hachetteaus for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
#TheGrapevine #KateKemp #NetGalley #HachetteAustralia #AustralianStories #HistoricalFiction
January 17, 2025
I really loved this book. Although the main event of the book was a murder, it was not a standard murder novel which I really liked. The book focuses on the lives of the residents who live in the same street as the murder victim, a young girl Tammy whos mother is very distant, Ursala who is living with a secret and Naomi who is a wife and mother who is hiding secrets of her own.
This book is very well written, I believe this is the authors debut novel, I will definitely be keeping an eye out for more work by her.
This book is very well written, I believe this is the authors debut novel, I will definitely be keeping an eye out for more work by her.
March 13, 2025
4.5 stars.
Summer, 1979. Warrah Place, Canberra. A quiet cul-de-sac where nothing much ever happens. But in the middle of the night a woman is frantically trying to scrub blood stains from the bathroom floor while her husband looks on.
The next day the residents of Warrah Place learn of a murder; their own neighbour, Antonio Marietti. As the neighbours whisper and gossip, twelve year old Tammy decides to mount her own investigation, determined to get to the bottom of this dreadful crime. But the deeper she delves, the more surprises she discovers. Let’s just say some of these neighbours of hers have a fair few skeletons in their closet…
As a kid of the 70s and a massive fan of Australian fiction I was always going to love this one. It’s hugely evocative, the late 70s is brought to life here so vividly that I really felt like I’d stepped back in time. The characters are all fascinating, yes there’s a fair few of them but they all bring life to the story and together create an intriguing melting pot simmering with secrets and lies.
Tammy the main protagonist is perfect. Well hardly perfect, as you’ll find out, but an incredible main character. She’s quirky and endearing and this neighbourhood is definitely all the better for having her in it.
The Grapevine is a wonderfully observational tale of seventies suburbia. It’s warm, it’s funny, it’s tragic. It’s bursting with memorable characters and a hugely immersive plot. If you loved The List of Suspicious Things then this will be right up your street (or cul-de-sac).
Summer, 1979. Warrah Place, Canberra. A quiet cul-de-sac where nothing much ever happens. But in the middle of the night a woman is frantically trying to scrub blood stains from the bathroom floor while her husband looks on.
The next day the residents of Warrah Place learn of a murder; their own neighbour, Antonio Marietti. As the neighbours whisper and gossip, twelve year old Tammy decides to mount her own investigation, determined to get to the bottom of this dreadful crime. But the deeper she delves, the more surprises she discovers. Let’s just say some of these neighbours of hers have a fair few skeletons in their closet…
As a kid of the 70s and a massive fan of Australian fiction I was always going to love this one. It’s hugely evocative, the late 70s is brought to life here so vividly that I really felt like I’d stepped back in time. The characters are all fascinating, yes there’s a fair few of them but they all bring life to the story and together create an intriguing melting pot simmering with secrets and lies.
Tammy the main protagonist is perfect. Well hardly perfect, as you’ll find out, but an incredible main character. She’s quirky and endearing and this neighbourhood is definitely all the better for having her in it.
The Grapevine is a wonderfully observational tale of seventies suburbia. It’s warm, it’s funny, it’s tragic. It’s bursting with memorable characters and a hugely immersive plot. If you loved The List of Suspicious Things then this will be right up your street (or cul-de-sac).
February 3, 2025
What a clever, well written, engaging debut!
I quickly warmed to Tammy, an awkward, lonely 12 year old, as she relentlessly tried to solve the murder of her neighbour and friend Antonio - mainly to help her “street cred” when she began high school and to gain acceptance by her peers. I loved how her relationship with young Colin developed, with them both gaining from their new friendship.
The murder seems pretty well solved at the beginning of the book, but as the plot develops the reason why it took place and in fact who the murderer is, all becomes murky, before all is revealed and then the final twist is thrown.
There is certainly a lot going on in the suburban cul-de-sac of Warrah Place!! Plenty of interesting and flawed residents abound!! My only criticism here is I felt there were too many issues covered for it to be totally believable - racism, misogyny, homophobia, gender fluidity, emotionally absent mother, grooming and teenage pregnancy……even for the 70s, that is a lot going on!
I liked the excerpts about ants in each chapter, an interesting addition, relating their behaviour to that of humans.
I definitely enjoyed this debut and really look forward to reading what Kate writes next!
I quickly warmed to Tammy, an awkward, lonely 12 year old, as she relentlessly tried to solve the murder of her neighbour and friend Antonio - mainly to help her “street cred” when she began high school and to gain acceptance by her peers. I loved how her relationship with young Colin developed, with them both gaining from their new friendship.
The murder seems pretty well solved at the beginning of the book, but as the plot develops the reason why it took place and in fact who the murderer is, all becomes murky, before all is revealed and then the final twist is thrown.
There is certainly a lot going on in the suburban cul-de-sac of Warrah Place!! Plenty of interesting and flawed residents abound!! My only criticism here is I felt there were too many issues covered for it to be totally believable - racism, misogyny, homophobia, gender fluidity, emotionally absent mother, grooming and teenage pregnancy……even for the 70s, that is a lot going on!
I liked the excerpts about ants in each chapter, an interesting addition, relating their behaviour to that of humans.
I definitely enjoyed this debut and really look forward to reading what Kate writes next!
August 18, 2025
3.5 stars. This was a great take on a suburban crime novel. The neighbours in a street all hold secrets that are, mostly, completely regular for our current times but would have put them on the fringes of the community back in the early 1980’s. I think this is a quirky clever way to explore this time period and its prejudices. While I didn’t grow up in Canberra I have lived here long enough to experience its sense of place, a modern small city in the bush.
The street map of locals was a great addition in the print edition. I referred to it frequently as the story does jump quickly between the characters. While there does seem to be a familiar trajectory to this crime there is a lot of layering to the crime and you definitely need to read right to the end if you think you have it all wrapped up.
The street map of locals was a great addition in the print edition. I referred to it frequently as the story does jump quickly between the characters. While there does seem to be a familiar trajectory to this crime there is a lot of layering to the crime and you definitely need to read right to the end if you think you have it all wrapped up.
November 2, 2025
a bunch of weirdos having
to deal with a terrible crime
that occurred on their street:
lovely characters, especially
the duo tammy and colin. ♡
to deal with a terrible crime
that occurred on their street:
lovely characters, especially
the duo tammy and colin. ♡
September 5, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
I'm grateful for the character/street map as I would have been lost with all the different characters. I certainly didn't see the ending.
I'm grateful for the character/street map as I would have been lost with all the different characters. I certainly didn't see the ending.
April 21, 2025
Grapevine Review:
I bought this book purely because of the cover, and I couldn’t be more grateful that I did. Grapevine is a murder mystery, but it’s so much more than that. I don’t think my review can fully express how much I adored this book. It’s one of the few books in recent years where I savored every single page. Kate, what’s in this book? It’s absolutely addictive.
While described as a suburban domestic murder mystery set in Australia, it transcends the genre. It skillfully tackles so many important themes, even while staying true to its core as a gripping murder mystery. The book dives deep into the lives of all the families on the street, exposing what goes on behind closed doors as they face the hardships of life in late 1970s Australia. To my surprise, many of the characters had wonderfully heartwarming stories.
This story unfolds as a slow and steady burn, leading up to something .Starting from the crime and working backward was an element I particularly enjoyed; it made the reading experience feel immersive and engaging.
Tammy quickly became my favorite character. Her journey was so tender and beautiful- I resonated deeply with her struggle to navigate life at the age of twelve—caught in that transitional space between childhood and adolescence. This book wasn’t just touching; it was laugh-out-loud funny, perfectly suited to my sense of humor.
Kate, please don’t ever stop writing, because I loved everything you had to say in this book. I will genuinely miss reading it 🥹
I bought this book purely because of the cover, and I couldn’t be more grateful that I did. Grapevine is a murder mystery, but it’s so much more than that. I don’t think my review can fully express how much I adored this book. It’s one of the few books in recent years where I savored every single page. Kate, what’s in this book? It’s absolutely addictive.
While described as a suburban domestic murder mystery set in Australia, it transcends the genre. It skillfully tackles so many important themes, even while staying true to its core as a gripping murder mystery. The book dives deep into the lives of all the families on the street, exposing what goes on behind closed doors as they face the hardships of life in late 1970s Australia. To my surprise, many of the characters had wonderfully heartwarming stories.
This story unfolds as a slow and steady burn, leading up to something .Starting from the crime and working backward was an element I particularly enjoyed; it made the reading experience feel immersive and engaging.
Tammy quickly became my favorite character. Her journey was so tender and beautiful- I resonated deeply with her struggle to navigate life at the age of twelve—caught in that transitional space between childhood and adolescence. This book wasn’t just touching; it was laugh-out-loud funny, perfectly suited to my sense of humor.
Kate, please don’t ever stop writing, because I loved everything you had to say in this book. I will genuinely miss reading it 🥹
January 13, 2025
In Kate Kemp’s debut novel, The Grapevine, suburban life in 1979 Australia takes a dark turn with the chilling murder of young Antonio Marietti. The novel opens with a housewife, Naomi, frantically scrubbing blood from the bathroom tiles at 3 a.m., suggesting that her husband Richard is involved in the crime. As the investigation unfolds, it is not only the murder that keeps readers on edge, but the hidden secrets and simmering tensions in the seemingly peaceful neighbourhood of Warrah Place.
The story is told through the eyes of 12-year-old Tammy, an inquisitive girl who, fascinated by the murder, starts piecing together clues in a quest to uncover the truth. As rumours spread and suspicion mounts, the tight-knit community reveals its darker undercurrents, all of which threaten to boil over in the oppressive summer heat.
Kemp’s portrayal of the characters, particularly the women, is masterful. She gives voice to their vulnerabilities and strengths, creating complex, relatable figures who are both silenced and shaped by their circumstances. While The Grapevine is classified as a crime thriller, it’s more a psychological study of community dynamics and the lies that bind people together. The book’s clever twists and sharp social commentary make it an engrossing read. This debut marks Kemp as a promising new voice in fiction.
Thank you to Good Reading Magazine & Hachette for gifting me an ARC for my honest review.
The story is told through the eyes of 12-year-old Tammy, an inquisitive girl who, fascinated by the murder, starts piecing together clues in a quest to uncover the truth. As rumours spread and suspicion mounts, the tight-knit community reveals its darker undercurrents, all of which threaten to boil over in the oppressive summer heat.
Kemp’s portrayal of the characters, particularly the women, is masterful. She gives voice to their vulnerabilities and strengths, creating complex, relatable figures who are both silenced and shaped by their circumstances. While The Grapevine is classified as a crime thriller, it’s more a psychological study of community dynamics and the lies that bind people together. The book’s clever twists and sharp social commentary make it an engrossing read. This debut marks Kemp as a promising new voice in fiction.
Thank you to Good Reading Magazine & Hachette for gifting me an ARC for my honest review.
March 15, 2025
This debut novel by Australian writer Kate Kemp had all the elements I love in a book - a fantastic murder mystery story, a diverse cast of characters, a gutsy young protagonist and her sidekick and a suburban 1970s setting, with great writing that brought the story to life on the page. It would make an excellent mini series.
Tammy is a 12 year old girl living in your typical suburban street in Canberra, Australia in 1979. The book opens with two of her neighbours, Richard and his wife Naomi, washing away the remnants of a crime scene. Someone has been murdered, but who and why?
In a story that gradually unfolds as we get to know all of the neighbours on Warrah Place, Kate Kemp weaves social commentary - immigration, race, class, gay rights, coercive control, infertility, growing up - beautifully and subtly into a story that will have you turning pages until the very end. It's not one that is super pacey, but there is intrigue, brilliant character work and stylish writing in abundance.
Kate Kemp won the Stylist Prize for Feminist Fiction and there was a 7 way auction for this, her debut novel. It's not hard to see why. If you like Una Mannion's A Crooked Tree, or Catherine Chidgey's brilliant novels, I think you'll enjoy this one. 4/5 stars
The Grapevine was published on Thursday this week by Orion Publishing. Many thanks to the publisher for the arc via @netgalley. As always, this is an honest review.
Tammy is a 12 year old girl living in your typical suburban street in Canberra, Australia in 1979. The book opens with two of her neighbours, Richard and his wife Naomi, washing away the remnants of a crime scene. Someone has been murdered, but who and why?
In a story that gradually unfolds as we get to know all of the neighbours on Warrah Place, Kate Kemp weaves social commentary - immigration, race, class, gay rights, coercive control, infertility, growing up - beautifully and subtly into a story that will have you turning pages until the very end. It's not one that is super pacey, but there is intrigue, brilliant character work and stylish writing in abundance.
Kate Kemp won the Stylist Prize for Feminist Fiction and there was a 7 way auction for this, her debut novel. It's not hard to see why. If you like Una Mannion's A Crooked Tree, or Catherine Chidgey's brilliant novels, I think you'll enjoy this one. 4/5 stars
The Grapevine was published on Thursday this week by Orion Publishing. Many thanks to the publisher for the arc via @netgalley. As always, this is an honest review.
December 8, 2025
The Grapevine is an intriguing mystery set in 1970s Canberra. The residents of Warrah Place are a nosey lot and when their young, charismatic neighbour Antonio Marietti is murdered everyone in the street becomes a suspect. 12-year-old Tammy enjoys spying on her neighbours and jotting observations in her notebook so, with the help of local boy, Colin, they take on the task of trying to solve the murder. Each resident seems to have something to hide but who really murdered Antonio? Thanks to NetGalley, the author and publisher for my copy of Kate Kemp’s wonderful debut.
March 20, 2025
his is a book that caught my attention from the first moment I received the email about it. A debut that was written so well I doubted the fact it is a debut!
Set around a neighbourhood in Australia of 1979, we are introduced to the residents of Warrah Place in Canberra. It's a quiet street until the discovery of a severed foot in the hills that overlook their houses. The fact that it comes to light the foot belongs to the neighbour from number two, Antonio Marietti, causes ripples of shock throughout the cul de sac.
Twelve year old Tammy decides she needs to find out what happened to Antonio because she thought him a friend. The fact that rumours are rife is a bonus for her. She is a child no one really notices, even her mother doesn't, not really. This makes it so easy for Tammy to 'overhear' conversations that she shouldn't be listening to. The biggest problem is that she learns more, much more than she bargained for. Warrah Place is never going to be the same again.
Wow! I knew I wanted to red The Grapevine, but I didn't count on being totally sucked into this book from the start. Each of Kate Kemp's characters is so strong and real. The fact that this is a community and there is such variation within it. Each of the neighbours is different, and some are worse than others. The fact that everyone is all smiles when they see each other but, after they close their front doors, the cattiness begins. This is just like the type of community I grew up with.
Tammy does enlist the help of Colin, a young boy from across the road, in her investigation, and I adored the way their friendship grew along the way. The tension grows as the plot unfolds. It is that taut at a certain point that I couldn't stop turning the pages.
Not only is this a multi layered murder mystery, but also a clever observation of communities and what makes them tick. The characters are the core of The Grapevine, along with the Australian heat of summer, which creates a taut and, at times, claustrophobic read. I will definitely be reading Kate Kemps' books! I would 100% recommend this book if you love murder mysteries with characters who stand out.
Thanks to the Compulsive Readers Book Tours and publisher for my gifted book in exchange for my honest review.
Set around a neighbourhood in Australia of 1979, we are introduced to the residents of Warrah Place in Canberra. It's a quiet street until the discovery of a severed foot in the hills that overlook their houses. The fact that it comes to light the foot belongs to the neighbour from number two, Antonio Marietti, causes ripples of shock throughout the cul de sac.
Twelve year old Tammy decides she needs to find out what happened to Antonio because she thought him a friend. The fact that rumours are rife is a bonus for her. She is a child no one really notices, even her mother doesn't, not really. This makes it so easy for Tammy to 'overhear' conversations that she shouldn't be listening to. The biggest problem is that she learns more, much more than she bargained for. Warrah Place is never going to be the same again.
Wow! I knew I wanted to red The Grapevine, but I didn't count on being totally sucked into this book from the start. Each of Kate Kemp's characters is so strong and real. The fact that this is a community and there is such variation within it. Each of the neighbours is different, and some are worse than others. The fact that everyone is all smiles when they see each other but, after they close their front doors, the cattiness begins. This is just like the type of community I grew up with.
Tammy does enlist the help of Colin, a young boy from across the road, in her investigation, and I adored the way their friendship grew along the way. The tension grows as the plot unfolds. It is that taut at a certain point that I couldn't stop turning the pages.
Not only is this a multi layered murder mystery, but also a clever observation of communities and what makes them tick. The characters are the core of The Grapevine, along with the Australian heat of summer, which creates a taut and, at times, claustrophobic read. I will definitely be reading Kate Kemps' books! I would 100% recommend this book if you love murder mysteries with characters who stand out.
Thanks to the Compulsive Readers Book Tours and publisher for my gifted book in exchange for my honest review.
April 21, 2025
Kate Kemp’s debut novel, The Grapevine, offers a compelling glimpse into suburban life in 1979 Australia, weaving a tale of murder, secrets, and community dynamics. Set in the sweltering heat of a Canberra cul-de-sac, the story begins with a grisly murder of a neighbour and unfolds through a number of perspectives. Our main narrator is twelve-year-old Tammy, who embarks on her own investigation, uncovering more than she anticipates.
Kemp excels in creating a vivid sense of place, immersing readers in the atmosphere of the era with authentic 70s Australian slang and detailed settings. The character-driven narrative delves into themes of prejudice, secrecy, and the complexities of human relationships, particularly among the women of Warrah Place. Tammy’s perspective adds a unique layer, offering both innocence and insight as she navigates the adult world of gossip and hidden truths.
However, the novel’s pacing can be uneven, with some sections feeling slower as the intricate web of character backstories is unraveled. It was also slow to come together, and while the loose ends were tied up as neatly as possible, it may turn away readers who prefer a more evenly paced read.
Additionally, the broad range of themes explored - from racism and misogyny to homophobia and family dynamics - while enriching, may overwhelm some readers seeking a more focused narrative from start to finish.
Despite these minor drawbacks, The Grapevine stands out as a richly observed and engaging debut. Kemp’s sharp social commentary and evocative storytelling make it a noteworthy addition to contemporary fiction. For readers who appreciate character-driven mysteries set against a richly detailed backdrop, this novel is a rewarding read.
•
My thanks to NetGalley, Orion Publishing and Kate Kemp for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Kemp excels in creating a vivid sense of place, immersing readers in the atmosphere of the era with authentic 70s Australian slang and detailed settings. The character-driven narrative delves into themes of prejudice, secrecy, and the complexities of human relationships, particularly among the women of Warrah Place. Tammy’s perspective adds a unique layer, offering both innocence and insight as she navigates the adult world of gossip and hidden truths.
However, the novel’s pacing can be uneven, with some sections feeling slower as the intricate web of character backstories is unraveled. It was also slow to come together, and while the loose ends were tied up as neatly as possible, it may turn away readers who prefer a more evenly paced read.
Additionally, the broad range of themes explored - from racism and misogyny to homophobia and family dynamics - while enriching, may overwhelm some readers seeking a more focused narrative from start to finish.
Despite these minor drawbacks, The Grapevine stands out as a richly observed and engaging debut. Kemp’s sharp social commentary and evocative storytelling make it a noteworthy addition to contemporary fiction. For readers who appreciate character-driven mysteries set against a richly detailed backdrop, this novel is a rewarding read.
•
My thanks to NetGalley, Orion Publishing and Kate Kemp for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
February 2, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley, Kate Kemp, and Hachette Australia & New Zealand for this ARC in exchange for my honest review. This book will be released on
February 11, 2025
.
Kate Kemp delivers a powerful debut that explores the vulnerabilities and strengths of her female characters, shaping them into complex, relatable figures whose voices are both silenced and defined by their circumstances.
The Grapevine is a crime/murder mystery centered around 12-year-old Tammy, who becomes determined to solve the murder as a way to redefine herself. Alongside Tammy’s journey, we also get an intimate look at the residents of the Warrah Place cul-de-sac, each with their own secrets and theories surrounding Antonio’s murder.
The title is a perfect fit, drawing from the phrase “I heard it through the grapevine”—a nod to the gossip and speculation running through Warrah Place. There’s always something happening, which keeps the drama engaging.
I really enjoyed Tammy’s character growth, especially as she realised the ripple effects of her words, particularly in her relationship with her mother. Her friendship with Colin was one of my favourite aspects of the book—it gave her a sense of true companionship and stability. The timeline shifts, while sometimes confusing, added depth to the story and kept me engaged.
A multiple POV approach could have helped clarify some of the timeline jumps and character perspectives. Some sections felt a little difficult to follow due to the changing timelines, but overall, they added to the mystery.
Readers should be aware that the book explores themes of misogyny, racism, xenophobia, homophobia, and absent mothers, in addition to the central murder mystery.
Despite some minor flaws, The Grapevine kept me hooked and made me think about how secrets and gossip shape communities. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a murder mystery filled with drama, set in a time when traditional housewives dominated the neighborhood.
⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Kate Kemp delivers a powerful debut that explores the vulnerabilities and strengths of her female characters, shaping them into complex, relatable figures whose voices are both silenced and defined by their circumstances.
The Grapevine is a crime/murder mystery centered around 12-year-old Tammy, who becomes determined to solve the murder as a way to redefine herself. Alongside Tammy’s journey, we also get an intimate look at the residents of the Warrah Place cul-de-sac, each with their own secrets and theories surrounding Antonio’s murder.
The title is a perfect fit, drawing from the phrase “I heard it through the grapevine”—a nod to the gossip and speculation running through Warrah Place. There’s always something happening, which keeps the drama engaging.
I really enjoyed Tammy’s character growth, especially as she realised the ripple effects of her words, particularly in her relationship with her mother. Her friendship with Colin was one of my favourite aspects of the book—it gave her a sense of true companionship and stability. The timeline shifts, while sometimes confusing, added depth to the story and kept me engaged.
A multiple POV approach could have helped clarify some of the timeline jumps and character perspectives. Some sections felt a little difficult to follow due to the changing timelines, but overall, they added to the mystery.
Readers should be aware that the book explores themes of misogyny, racism, xenophobia, homophobia, and absent mothers, in addition to the central murder mystery.
Despite some minor flaws, The Grapevine kept me hooked and made me think about how secrets and gossip shape communities. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a murder mystery filled with drama, set in a time when traditional housewives dominated the neighborhood.
⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
June 26, 2025
What I loved: The Grapevine is an original mystery with a fabulous opening and some unexpected twists. The terrific cover. The depictions of the seventies such as Hulu hoops and the Paul Hogan show. There were some funny scenes that made me laugh. I could see it as a film or television series as I was mentally casting characters as I read. I particularly enjoyed single mother Sheree from No.1, Guangyu Lau from No.4, Lydia and Ursula from No.7. Antonio who we find out in the sizzling opening chapter is dead was also a strong character albeit tragic. Kate Kemp has worked as a psychotherapist which shows in her skill in constructing characters with intriguing backstories.
What didn't work for me as much: I had to keep referring back to the cul-de-sac map in the front of the book to keep track of the characters who inhabit Warrah Place in the Canberra burbs in 1979. I gave up trying to work out the slightly confusing timeline and just enjoyed the reading experience.
I've lived in very similar suburban cul-de-sacs in that period and people aren't quite as nosy or intrusive as they've depicted here where neighbours roam in and out of houses freely. I've also lived in a small Australian town in the seventies and eighties where gay couples were not only accepted but very welcomed. But The Grapevine is a really enjoyable mystery with a slightly different setting for an Australian crime novel which kept me riveted.
What didn't work for me as much: I had to keep referring back to the cul-de-sac map in the front of the book to keep track of the characters who inhabit Warrah Place in the Canberra burbs in 1979. I gave up trying to work out the slightly confusing timeline and just enjoyed the reading experience.
I've lived in very similar suburban cul-de-sacs in that period and people aren't quite as nosy or intrusive as they've depicted here where neighbours roam in and out of houses freely. I've also lived in a small Australian town in the seventies and eighties where gay couples were not only accepted but very welcomed. But The Grapevine is a really enjoyable mystery with a slightly different setting for an Australian crime novel which kept me riveted.
April 3, 2025
Good story. Too many characters to keep track of. Thank goodness for the map at the start of the book so I could remind myself of who was who.
I liked that much if the story was from the perspective of 12 year old Tammy. I liked her resilience and tenacity as she delved into solving the mystery of Antonio's death.
Her growing relationship and friendship with Colin was lovely, and I would say my favourite part of the story. I felt for both of these children as they were seemingly neglected and forgotten by their respective mothers.
A very nosey street. Neighbours overly interested in what was happening over the fence, whilst their own secrets were held close to their chests. I wouldn't have liked to have lived in this cul-de-sac.
The twist was unexpected and well done.
Overall, it was a little too busy and convoluted and could have done with a few less unnecessary storylines that detracted from the flow of a good book.
I liked that much if the story was from the perspective of 12 year old Tammy. I liked her resilience and tenacity as she delved into solving the mystery of Antonio's death.
Her growing relationship and friendship with Colin was lovely, and I would say my favourite part of the story. I felt for both of these children as they were seemingly neglected and forgotten by their respective mothers.
A very nosey street. Neighbours overly interested in what was happening over the fence, whilst their own secrets were held close to their chests. I wouldn't have liked to have lived in this cul-de-sac.
The twist was unexpected and well done.
Overall, it was a little too busy and convoluted and could have done with a few less unnecessary storylines that detracted from the flow of a good book.
February 28, 2025
This was a super fun book. A nice, cozy murder mystery with a side of sordid affairs, teenage friendships and good old fashioned 1970s racism and bigotry!
Antonio Marietti has been murdered. His foot has been found in the hills (I like to think it is Mt Taylor), and there don't seem to be any suspects on the horizon. But why, then, was Naomi scrubbing her floor at 3am and what was Richard doing running so early in the morning?
We begin the book knowing who has murdered Antonio, but it is the whys that unwind pleasantly throughout the narrative. It was great to revisit the 70s, remember what times were like, and ponder how we have changed and, also, NOT changed in the following decades! Ah, the times when everyone in the street knew everyone's business!!!!
Antonio Marietti has been murdered. His foot has been found in the hills (I like to think it is Mt Taylor), and there don't seem to be any suspects on the horizon. But why, then, was Naomi scrubbing her floor at 3am and what was Richard doing running so early in the morning?
We begin the book knowing who has murdered Antonio, but it is the whys that unwind pleasantly throughout the narrative. It was great to revisit the 70s, remember what times were like, and ponder how we have changed and, also, NOT changed in the following decades! Ah, the times when everyone in the street knew everyone's business!!!!
March 12, 2025
The Grapevine is a great debut for this author.
It’s 1979, Australia, in Warrah Place there has been a murder, a young Italian man that lived there with his parents. Only a foot has been found but he is presumed dead, due to a birth mark on his foot he was able to be identified quickly by a neighbour as his parents are away. Twelve year old Tammy liked Antonio and is going to find out who the murderer is even if it’s just to get her some street cred before moving up to high school. Tammy has a lot to learn though as she becomes aware of the knowledge that what she says has a ripple effect on the cul de sac. The neighbours all get along so who could it be?
This was a murder mystery set up a little different to what I’ve read before. I liked how the chapters moved from weeks before the murder to get a good back story of the neighbours to months after the murder and all told through the eyes of Tammy.. Tammy was a likeable character and grew throughout the duration of the book. The neighbours were all very different characters with different problems. If I was to be picky for 1979 in a quiet cul de sac there were a lot of issues within the neighbours, ranging from teenage pregnancy to racism and homophobia
. The book had a good pace and was a decent read.
I would like to thank NetGalley and Orion Publishing Group, Pheonix for this ARC I received in exchange for an honest review.
It’s 1979, Australia, in Warrah Place there has been a murder, a young Italian man that lived there with his parents. Only a foot has been found but he is presumed dead, due to a birth mark on his foot he was able to be identified quickly by a neighbour as his parents are away. Twelve year old Tammy liked Antonio and is going to find out who the murderer is even if it’s just to get her some street cred before moving up to high school. Tammy has a lot to learn though as she becomes aware of the knowledge that what she says has a ripple effect on the cul de sac. The neighbours all get along so who could it be?
This was a murder mystery set up a little different to what I’ve read before. I liked how the chapters moved from weeks before the murder to get a good back story of the neighbours to months after the murder and all told through the eyes of Tammy.. Tammy was a likeable character and grew throughout the duration of the book. The neighbours were all very different characters with different problems. If I was to be picky for 1979 in a quiet cul de sac there were a lot of issues within the neighbours, ranging from teenage pregnancy to racism and homophobia
. The book had a good pace and was a decent read.
I would like to thank NetGalley and Orion Publishing Group, Pheonix for this ARC I received in exchange for an honest review.
March 13, 2025
3.5 stars. This is a story about an oppressive summer in a small community when one terrible situation tears open the respectable façade of the a small neighbourhood. I guess being set in the 70's makes it historical fiction (and makes me feel old!) and it is very accurate in the depictions of that period - the clothes, the attitudes, the societal norms...I enjoyed those aspects a lot.
I also enjoyed the female characters and their relationships with each other. There were many different types and it felt good to see women being drawn in lots of guises rather than the usual tropes. On a wider note though, I didn't really connect with the group of characters as a whole. I can't put my finger on why but I felt removed from them and what they were going through/causing.
The murder mystery part of this was a fun read, done very well.
I also enjoyed the female characters and their relationships with each other. There were many different types and it felt good to see women being drawn in lots of guises rather than the usual tropes. On a wider note though, I didn't really connect with the group of characters as a whole. I can't put my finger on why but I felt removed from them and what they were going through/causing.
The murder mystery part of this was a fun read, done very well.
February 17, 2025
It’s Summer in Australia in 1979 and in a quiet neighbourhood a housewife is scrubbing the yellow and white checkered tiles on the bathroom floor.
But not all is as it seems, it’s 3am and the woman’s husband seems remarkably calm considering she is wiping away traces of the man he murdered.
This was such an intriguing book and I loved the focus on the various woman who live in the neighbourhood. Nosy neighbours mixed with misogyny, racism and idealistic views on family are a perfect combination for a murder mystery.
I thought the focus on Tammy, a socially awkward twelve year old, was brilliant. While she’s able to hear gossip from a vantage point missed by most adults, she often lacks context and misinterprets what she is hearing leading to some hilarious and often scandalous results.
There is certainly a lot going on at Warrah Place and a murder mystery is only one
Thank you NetGalley, Hachette Australia and New Zealand and the author for my copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
But not all is as it seems, it’s 3am and the woman’s husband seems remarkably calm considering she is wiping away traces of the man he murdered.
This was such an intriguing book and I loved the focus on the various woman who live in the neighbourhood. Nosy neighbours mixed with misogyny, racism and idealistic views on family are a perfect combination for a murder mystery.
I thought the focus on Tammy, a socially awkward twelve year old, was brilliant. While she’s able to hear gossip from a vantage point missed by most adults, she often lacks context and misinterprets what she is hearing leading to some hilarious and often scandalous results.
There is certainly a lot going on at Warrah Place and a murder mystery is only one
Thank you NetGalley, Hachette Australia and New Zealand and the author for my copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
April 25, 2025
3.5 stars. It took a while for me to warm up to this book but read the final half in a day. Maybe it’s because I’m on holidays but I found myself referring back to the street map at the front of the book to work out all the characters so that was a great inclusion.
I enjoyed the setting of late 70s Australia and also a good reminder of how you can live in close proximity and make assumptions of others but actually know very little. Also spreading rumours is only a (bad) reflection on those that partake and listen!
I enjoyed the setting of late 70s Australia and also a good reminder of how you can live in close proximity and make assumptions of others but actually know very little. Also spreading rumours is only a (bad) reflection on those that partake and listen!
September 8, 2025
I lived in a court in Canberra for a bit in the late 70s so I really understood the setting. Story just didn’t quite gel with me. I think my main gripe is that I didn’t really side with any of the characters apart from Duncan who was useless, but funny.
March 29, 2025
Its very rare I fail to finish a book, but I'm afraid I gave up with this one after reading a reasonable amount. The premise is that there has been a murder as the foot of a young man has been discovered; we see the events through the eyes of young Tammy, a neighbour, who is fairly self-absorbed and a budding kleptomaniac. Unfortunately I found the book incredibly dull. The action bounces before and after the murder, neighbours are introduced to the story but as there is no description or depth of character, I had trouble working out who was whom. And honestly, I lost the will to care.
No doubt the murder will be resolved, but I'm afraid I shall remain in ignorance of the outcome.
Thank you to NetGalley and Orion Publishing Group for allowing me access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
No doubt the murder will be resolved, but I'm afraid I shall remain in ignorance of the outcome.
Thank you to NetGalley and Orion Publishing Group for allowing me access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
February 24, 2025
3.5 stars
A great debut novel with interesting characters and plot. Definitely reminiscent of the late 70’s in Australia, and the societal norms of the day.
A great debut novel with interesting characters and plot. Definitely reminiscent of the late 70’s in Australia, and the societal norms of the day.
April 22, 2025
I’d say I give this a 3.75 stars. It was quite good and a fantastic debut novel by Kate Kemp
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June 12, 2025I got lost when the POV moved to the teenaged girl, which, for me, slowed the narrative, and I'm sorry to say that life events made me put it down and not pick it up again. It's a fascinating premise and will suit readers who like a slower unravelling.
January 19, 2025
This is the whole package. It starts with the aftermath of a very grisly murder and then takes us forwards and backwards to discover the secrets, lies and passions that lead us to the tragedy. The characters that we meet in this suburban close in Canberra are richly painted, full of surprises and it’s the irrepressible Tammy -with her side-kick of cross dressing Colin - that drives us forward into the lives behind the shuttered windows. I loved this, enjoyed the telling and am missing the neighbours.
December 31, 2024
In Kate Kemp's engrossing novel, »The Grapevine«, the tranquil facade of Australian suburbia in 1979 fractures with the chilling revelation of a murder.
The narrative starts with a horrified housewife trying to erase the gruesome aftermath of her husband's crime—the slaying of their neighbor, Antonio Marietti. This stark opening sets the stage for an enthralling exploration of secrets, deceit, and the twisted underbelly of seemingly ordinary lives.
The plot unravels through the perspective of young Tammy, an inquisitive aspiring scientist caught up in the mounting tensions of her neighborhood. As rumors of Antonio's death spread, an atmosphere of suspicion and intrigue descends, turning once-familiar faces into enigmatic suspects. Each character is deftly crafted, revealing hidden agendas and vulnerabilities. The neighborhood comes alive as a tapestry of secrets and lies, with every closed door harboring potential darkness, leaving readers to question their trust in the characters.
Kemp's writing style strikes a balance between vivid description and approachability, drawing readers into her characters' emotional world. The stifling heat of summer and the suffocating weight of unspoken truths are nearly tangible. Deeply ingrained emotions like fear, guilt, curiosity, and betrayal are woven seamlessly into the narrative, highlighting the complex dynamics within a tight-knit community.
While feminist undertones are evident, Kemp skillfully avoids sermonizing and maintains a riveting plot that leaves readers guessing at every turn.
The story raises thought-provoking questions about the masks people wear to conceal their darker sides, as well as the consequences of maintaining appearances in a society that expects conformity.
Ultimately, »The Grapevine« is a tantalizing mystery and an astute social commentary rolled into one, leaving readers to ponder the depths of human nature long after finishing the book.
The narrative starts with a horrified housewife trying to erase the gruesome aftermath of her husband's crime—the slaying of their neighbor, Antonio Marietti. This stark opening sets the stage for an enthralling exploration of secrets, deceit, and the twisted underbelly of seemingly ordinary lives.
The plot unravels through the perspective of young Tammy, an inquisitive aspiring scientist caught up in the mounting tensions of her neighborhood. As rumors of Antonio's death spread, an atmosphere of suspicion and intrigue descends, turning once-familiar faces into enigmatic suspects. Each character is deftly crafted, revealing hidden agendas and vulnerabilities. The neighborhood comes alive as a tapestry of secrets and lies, with every closed door harboring potential darkness, leaving readers to question their trust in the characters.
Kemp's writing style strikes a balance between vivid description and approachability, drawing readers into her characters' emotional world. The stifling heat of summer and the suffocating weight of unspoken truths are nearly tangible. Deeply ingrained emotions like fear, guilt, curiosity, and betrayal are woven seamlessly into the narrative, highlighting the complex dynamics within a tight-knit community.
While feminist undertones are evident, Kemp skillfully avoids sermonizing and maintains a riveting plot that leaves readers guessing at every turn.
The story raises thought-provoking questions about the masks people wear to conceal their darker sides, as well as the consequences of maintaining appearances in a society that expects conformity.
Ultimately, »The Grapevine« is a tantalizing mystery and an astute social commentary rolled into one, leaving readers to ponder the depths of human nature long after finishing the book.
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