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Possible Springs
‘Ross’s debut blends small-town mystery, romance and magical realism into an intoxicating, spell-binding mix. Jimny is an unforgettable character. I loved it.’ Jeff Lindsay, bestselling author of DEXTER
'An absorbing and compelling read. Utterly immersive and beautifully written. By the end, I wanted to pack my bags and move to Possible Springs. Thoroughly enjoyable.' Darcy Tindale, author of THE FALL BETWEEN
Welcome to Possible Springs, where secrets are a way of life.
Jimny Adams should have died on that hot summer day in 1987 in the remote town of Possible Springs. Only eleven at the time, she was saved from drowning by her school teacher Mr Cross.
Seven years on and she has grown into a watchful, quirky eighteen-year-old - her near-death experience having left her with an unnerving psychic ability.
It’s an unwelcome gift that she tries desperately to from her parents, from her best friends, from everyone in town. In such a tight-knit community, being different means becoming a pariah.
However Possible Springs is actually a town teeming with dark secrets. And with her ability to read people’s thoughts, Jimny is closer than she would like to be to discovering its truth…
'An absorbing and compelling read. Utterly immersive and beautifully written. By the end, I wanted to pack my bags and move to Possible Springs. Thoroughly enjoyable.' Darcy Tindale, author of THE FALL BETWEEN
Welcome to Possible Springs, where secrets are a way of life.
Jimny Adams should have died on that hot summer day in 1987 in the remote town of Possible Springs. Only eleven at the time, she was saved from drowning by her school teacher Mr Cross.
Seven years on and she has grown into a watchful, quirky eighteen-year-old - her near-death experience having left her with an unnerving psychic ability.
It’s an unwelcome gift that she tries desperately to from her parents, from her best friends, from everyone in town. In such a tight-knit community, being different means becoming a pariah.
However Possible Springs is actually a town teeming with dark secrets. And with her ability to read people’s thoughts, Jimny is closer than she would like to be to discovering its truth…
- GenresThriller
362 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 2, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
July 13, 2026
Possible Springs is one of those rare novels that feels immediately familiar. From the opening pages, I found myself recognising not only the landscapes and communities she writes about, but also the rhythms of conversation that flow through the story. Growing up and living in a small regional town, I was struck by how authentically Ross captures the language people actually use. The dialogue is unpolished in the best possible way—natural, understated, and full of the subtle humour, shorthand, and shared understanding that develops in close-knit communities. It never feels manufactured; instead, it sounds like the conversations I overhear every day.
What impressed me most was Ross's quick, sharp wit. Humour appears unexpectedly in passing remarks and exchanges, often arriving with perfect timing before disappearing just as quickly. Rather than relying on obvious jokes, the novel finds comedy in personality and observation. The characters tease one another with the kind of affection and honesty that only exists between people who know each other well, making them feel genuine rather than fictional.
Ross also has a remarkable gift for characterisation. Her characters are not introduced through lengthy explanations but revealed gradually through small details, habits, and interactions. Even minor characters leave a lasting impression because they are drawn with such care and specificity. Their strengths, flaws, and quiet vulnerabilities emerge naturally, making them feel like people you might actually encounter in any country town.
The prose is equally captivating when it turns to the landscape. Ross writes about place with an attentiveness that transforms ordinary scenery into something quietly beautiful. Her descriptions never overwhelm the narrative; instead, they enrich it, grounding every scene in vivid imagery. Whether describing changing light, weather, or the subtle textures of the natural environment, she creates settings that feel deeply lived in. The landscape becomes more than a backdrop—it shapes the emotional tone of the story and reflects the lives of the people who inhabit it.
Possible Springs succeeds because it balances warmth, humour, and lyrical prose without ever becoming sentimental. Samantha Ross writes with honesty, precision, and an ear for dialogue that is extraordinarily authentic. For readers who have lived in regional Australia, the novel offers moments of genuine recognition, while those unfamiliar with country life will find themselves immersed in a world rendered with empathy and remarkable clarity.
This is a beautifully observed novel that celebrates the richness of everyday lives through memorable characters, evocative landscapes, and language that rings unmistakably true.
July 7, 2026
I absolutely loved this book.
Briefly, this is a mystery novel set in the fictitious country town Possible Springs. Several children have been disappearing from the neighbouring towns.
The story follows Jimny, who developed psychic abilities after a near-death experience as a child. I do want to point out though that the psychic element isn't the whole story. It's there from the beginning, but it never overshadows everything else. This is still very much a crime mystery, and I really liked how naturally those two elements worked together.
This book is just... so Australian.
Possible Springs felt like a real place. It reminded me of towns like Caloundra or Eumundi. It never felt like a fictional setting created purely for the story. It felt like the town would still be there after I closed the book.
I started this book feeling like I'd just moved to town. By the end, I felt like a resident. I have to say, that is such a difficult thing to achieve in 350-odd pages, especially in a debut novel. I finished this book feeling genuinely connected to the town and the people who lived there.
I also wasn't expecting this to read like a coming-of-age story, but I am so glad it did. Watching Jimny grow into herself ended up being one of my favourite parts of the book. I was rooting for her from the very beginning. There's also a romance running through the story that I really enjoyed. It never took over the story, but I was always happy when it popped back up.
One little detail I haven't mentioned yet, but absolutely loved, was the chapter titles. Every chapter is named after a song which ties in beautifully with Jimny’s psychic abilities. I found myself looking forward to each new chapter just to see what song was next and how it connected to what was about to happen. Such a clever little touch.
Overall, Ross has a real talent for creating scenes that pull you in. If I hadn't known this was a debut novel, I would never have guessed. It doesn't read like a debut at all.
I'll definitely be reading whatever she writes next!
Briefly, this is a mystery novel set in the fictitious country town Possible Springs. Several children have been disappearing from the neighbouring towns.
The story follows Jimny, who developed psychic abilities after a near-death experience as a child. I do want to point out though that the psychic element isn't the whole story. It's there from the beginning, but it never overshadows everything else. This is still very much a crime mystery, and I really liked how naturally those two elements worked together.
This book is just... so Australian.
Possible Springs felt like a real place. It reminded me of towns like Caloundra or Eumundi. It never felt like a fictional setting created purely for the story. It felt like the town would still be there after I closed the book.
I started this book feeling like I'd just moved to town. By the end, I felt like a resident. I have to say, that is such a difficult thing to achieve in 350-odd pages, especially in a debut novel. I finished this book feeling genuinely connected to the town and the people who lived there.
I also wasn't expecting this to read like a coming-of-age story, but I am so glad it did. Watching Jimny grow into herself ended up being one of my favourite parts of the book. I was rooting for her from the very beginning. There's also a romance running through the story that I really enjoyed. It never took over the story, but I was always happy when it popped back up.
One little detail I haven't mentioned yet, but absolutely loved, was the chapter titles. Every chapter is named after a song which ties in beautifully with Jimny’s psychic abilities. I found myself looking forward to each new chapter just to see what song was next and how it connected to what was about to happen. Such a clever little touch.
Overall, Ross has a real talent for creating scenes that pull you in. If I hadn't known this was a debut novel, I would never have guessed. It doesn't read like a debut at all.
I'll definitely be reading whatever she writes next!
July 17, 2026
4.5 rounded up esp as it’s a debut!
What a surprise this was. I picked it up as the author is a guest at a Penguin Noir event coming up and I wanted to find out about her writing. I have finished by adding her to my must read list!
The characters and setting make this novel. Jimny grew on me and by the end she felt like a friend. The setting is so realistic despite being fictional. My near ‘skip this one’ factor of elements of fantasy should be removed from the blurb because it did not read that way. It is an excellent Aussie crime drama.
Fingers crossed there’s another Jimny instalment one day!
What a surprise this was. I picked it up as the author is a guest at a Penguin Noir event coming up and I wanted to find out about her writing. I have finished by adding her to my must read list!
The characters and setting make this novel. Jimny grew on me and by the end she felt like a friend. The setting is so realistic despite being fictional. My near ‘skip this one’ factor of elements of fantasy should be removed from the blurb because it did not read that way. It is an excellent Aussie crime drama.
Fingers crossed there’s another Jimny instalment one day!
June 27, 2026
Possible Springs is a brilliant debut. Blending a captivating small-town mystery with a supernatural twist and a hint of romance, it's a compelling and thoroughly enjoyable read from start to finish.
🔮 Now, I know the psychic ability might make some people hesitate to pick this up, but honestly, please don’t let it put you off! It’s written so well and never felt over the top. Jinny is such a likeable character, and I loved the way the friendships, family drama, and her ability all wove together to create a compelling narrative.
I genuinely had no idea who the guilty person was right up until the reveal, and that's always the sign of a great mystery to me! My jaw was honestly on the floor when everything was revealed 🤯
Possible Springs is such an absorbing debut, and one I couldn't put it down!
Thank you to Penguin Aus for a copy to review.
🔮 Now, I know the psychic ability might make some people hesitate to pick this up, but honestly, please don’t let it put you off! It’s written so well and never felt over the top. Jinny is such a likeable character, and I loved the way the friendships, family drama, and her ability all wove together to create a compelling narrative.
I genuinely had no idea who the guilty person was right up until the reveal, and that's always the sign of a great mystery to me! My jaw was honestly on the floor when everything was revealed 🤯
Possible Springs is such an absorbing debut, and one I couldn't put it down!
Thank you to Penguin Aus for a copy to review.
June 4, 2026
This is one of this books that starts as a slow burn, and quickly becomes a complete compulsion. By halfway through I began looking forward to bed time so I could sit and devour more pages. The answer to the mystery kept me guessing until the very end!
I absolutely loved this book, and I need to know what happens to Jimny next, I would love this to be a series.
I absolutely loved this book, and I need to know what happens to Jimny next, I would love this to be a series.
July 6, 2026
“You sheilas know the drill. Help yourself to anything in the fridge. Wowsers, Tiff, get a Captain Cook at you! I’d have thought red tartan would clash with your hair like a rosella squatting on a rainbow! But you look ripper!” Does anyone actually speak like this? Anyone? Maybe I don’t get out of my bubble much – but I grew up in a rural area – and no one there spoke like this sixty years ago, let along in 1994 which is when the majority of this novel is set.
Jimny, the main character of this novel, has a near death experience as an 11-year-old. It leaves her with an unnerving trait – she can sense what people are thinking if she is in their presence AND there is music playing. She doesn’t want to tell anyone in the small NSW rural town where she lives because she believes they will see her as a freak. It leads to some tricky circumstances.
Some years later, there is a string of abductions of young children in the town. Much of the novel is given over to the attempts of the police to solve this crime. While Jimny is on the periphery of the investigation, various elements draw her in.
I haven’t read prose as overblown and mangled for quite a while. Here’s an example: “She [Jimny] looked like some kind of Spanish princess. An exotic Scarlett O’Hara. Half her shiraz-coloured hair was swept up in a topknot, and the rest cascaded over her shoulders. Eva’s dark shading had turned her eyes into feline jewels. And her cleavage in Tiff’s bra resembled a creamy, perfectly risen souffle.” The riot of images is really quite funny – Scarlett O’Hara, the freshly risen souffle, red wine, a Spanish princess, the cascading, the cat’s eye make-up. One of these allusions would work fine – but as a clump – no. I could have chosen any page in the novel as illustration.
Then there is the plot. It’s a convention in mystery novels that there are some clues as to the identity of the perpetrator. It’s a convention that honours the reader – it says I am going to try to keep you guessing but if you really think about Whodunnit, the clues are there. Not the case in this novel. And oddly, Jimny’s gift is sometimes being able to read people’s minds, and sometimes the ability to see into their future – so it’s quite wide-ranging, and not altogether convincing as a plot device.
In an interview, the author said that her late grandmother was a psychic medium, which made her aware of paranormal activity from a young age. “Although Samantha says she didn’t “inherit her gift”, she tells us her grandmother taught her a lot, including the power of manifestation. Samantha reveals to us that she used this power to manifest her book deal with Penguin by envisioning her future publisher smiling while reading her manuscript. “My grandmother was a great believer that if you can make yourself wholeheartedly believe that it has already happened, it will happen.”” (https://www.newidea.com.au/books/sama...)
Her powers of manifestation must be really strong because the novel feels quite half-baked.
Jimny, the main character of this novel, has a near death experience as an 11-year-old. It leaves her with an unnerving trait – she can sense what people are thinking if she is in their presence AND there is music playing. She doesn’t want to tell anyone in the small NSW rural town where she lives because she believes they will see her as a freak. It leads to some tricky circumstances.
Some years later, there is a string of abductions of young children in the town. Much of the novel is given over to the attempts of the police to solve this crime. While Jimny is on the periphery of the investigation, various elements draw her in.
I haven’t read prose as overblown and mangled for quite a while. Here’s an example: “She [Jimny] looked like some kind of Spanish princess. An exotic Scarlett O’Hara. Half her shiraz-coloured hair was swept up in a topknot, and the rest cascaded over her shoulders. Eva’s dark shading had turned her eyes into feline jewels. And her cleavage in Tiff’s bra resembled a creamy, perfectly risen souffle.” The riot of images is really quite funny – Scarlett O’Hara, the freshly risen souffle, red wine, a Spanish princess, the cascading, the cat’s eye make-up. One of these allusions would work fine – but as a clump – no. I could have chosen any page in the novel as illustration.
Then there is the plot. It’s a convention in mystery novels that there are some clues as to the identity of the perpetrator. It’s a convention that honours the reader – it says I am going to try to keep you guessing but if you really think about Whodunnit, the clues are there. Not the case in this novel. And oddly, Jimny’s gift is sometimes being able to read people’s minds, and sometimes the ability to see into their future – so it’s quite wide-ranging, and not altogether convincing as a plot device.
In an interview, the author said that her late grandmother was a psychic medium, which made her aware of paranormal activity from a young age. “Although Samantha says she didn’t “inherit her gift”, she tells us her grandmother taught her a lot, including the power of manifestation. Samantha reveals to us that she used this power to manifest her book deal with Penguin by envisioning her future publisher smiling while reading her manuscript. “My grandmother was a great believer that if you can make yourself wholeheartedly believe that it has already happened, it will happen.”” (https://www.newidea.com.au/books/sama...)
Her powers of manifestation must be really strong because the novel feels quite half-baked.
July 13, 2026
I came here to say wow!! Looking for a holiday read in Brisbane, I grabbed Possible Springs because all the staff at QBD were raving about it, and they mentioned it was the book of the month in June all over Australia. And for good reason, so I'm thrilled they did!!
It has a little bit of everything; crime, mystery, wit,coming-of-age, a sprinkle of romance (wait until you encounter Shamus), and even a touch of the paranormal. But that element never feels too overpowering; it would be like if your best friend was psychic - you just accept it in everyday life.
The story has a kind of friendly charm to it, and there was something in the writing that almost reminded me of Jilly Cooper. The author has managed to do something few mystery novelists ever think to do, mix warmth with mystery.
The plot had me from the start, and there's quite a few sniggers, to laugh out loud moments too. Ross has also captured Australiana so perfectly, from the characters to the descriptive landscapes. Coming from the outskirts of Townsville, I felt like I already knew everyone from Possible Springs - that's how accurate the small town personalities feel. Especially my favourite, the lovable larrikin, Eva (who reminds me of a close friend) and her hilarious Aussie slang. In fact everybody in town is getting a 'Captain Cook', 'taking the piss', 'feeling devo', 'chucking a sickie', and all the phrases you'll hear at any country pub.
But don't let the slang fool you, this is a beautifully written novel;
The area was a prairie patchwork of russet plains, jade pastures, vivid orchids and lush vineyards, while the town's Victorian architecture was charmingly quaint, with a yesteryear of blue-stone pubs.
Jimny Adams is a main character you'll fall in love with, as she navigates her teenage years with an unwelcome new paranormal ability, after a near-drowning. As an outcast, she tries to keep this gift a secret. Yet it becomes a battle when children begin to go missing in the region, and this ability could very well help locate them.
That's the very short description, though as I said, there's so much more than goes with the story, and I loathe spoilers. And with all the red herrings and clues along the way, I still never saw the reveal coming. It was a true Oh My God moment.
Plus, it has an epic soundtrack, which I just found of Spotify.
If you're a fan of Trent Dalton or Chris Whitaker, you'll add Possible Springs and Samantha Ross to your list of favorites!
It has a little bit of everything; crime, mystery, wit,coming-of-age, a sprinkle of romance (wait until you encounter Shamus), and even a touch of the paranormal. But that element never feels too overpowering; it would be like if your best friend was psychic - you just accept it in everyday life.
The story has a kind of friendly charm to it, and there was something in the writing that almost reminded me of Jilly Cooper. The author has managed to do something few mystery novelists ever think to do, mix warmth with mystery.
The plot had me from the start, and there's quite a few sniggers, to laugh out loud moments too. Ross has also captured Australiana so perfectly, from the characters to the descriptive landscapes. Coming from the outskirts of Townsville, I felt like I already knew everyone from Possible Springs - that's how accurate the small town personalities feel. Especially my favourite, the lovable larrikin, Eva (who reminds me of a close friend) and her hilarious Aussie slang. In fact everybody in town is getting a 'Captain Cook', 'taking the piss', 'feeling devo', 'chucking a sickie', and all the phrases you'll hear at any country pub.
But don't let the slang fool you, this is a beautifully written novel;
The area was a prairie patchwork of russet plains, jade pastures, vivid orchids and lush vineyards, while the town's Victorian architecture was charmingly quaint, with a yesteryear of blue-stone pubs.
Jimny Adams is a main character you'll fall in love with, as she navigates her teenage years with an unwelcome new paranormal ability, after a near-drowning. As an outcast, she tries to keep this gift a secret. Yet it becomes a battle when children begin to go missing in the region, and this ability could very well help locate them.
That's the very short description, though as I said, there's so much more than goes with the story, and I loathe spoilers. And with all the red herrings and clues along the way, I still never saw the reveal coming. It was a true Oh My God moment.
Plus, it has an epic soundtrack, which I just found of Spotify.
If you're a fan of Trent Dalton or Chris Whitaker, you'll add Possible Springs and Samantha Ross to your list of favorites!
June 22, 2026
As a huge fan of the Dexter series, I'd pretty much read anything Jeff Lindsay endorses. That's not to say this is anything like the principled serial-killer books. No, this is a stand-out story that covers a whole lot of genres. There's coming of age, crime noir, mystery suspense, all wrapped in Australian wit and beautiful landscapes. Not to mention this new genre that seems to be growing in popularity; magical realism. The town of Possible Springs, the locals, and its main character Jimny Adams are all so relatable, that I didn't want to leave at the end. Jimny's ability and the way it's activated is a truly unique spin, and I adored that the plot-twist was a 'omfg' moment that I never saw coming.
Possible Springs reminded me of Trent Dalton, and maybe even a little bit of Where the Crawdads Sing.
It has charm, warmth, atmospheric spookiness, loneliness, and rarity. And since music is heavily featured, it's almost like this book has its own awesome soundtrack.
I absolutely loved Possible Springs
Possible Springs reminded me of Trent Dalton, and maybe even a little bit of Where the Crawdads Sing.
It has charm, warmth, atmospheric spookiness, loneliness, and rarity. And since music is heavily featured, it's almost like this book has its own awesome soundtrack.
I absolutely loved Possible Springs
July 13, 2026
After a near-death experience, Jimny Adams is bought back to life with an unwanted ability - she can see inside people's minds, but only if music is playing...
Original as it is quirky, funny and somehow poignant at the same time, Possible Springs is the kind of novel that stays with you. I'm so in love with this book, the story, the characters, the small town, the Aussie vibes, the landscape, the everything.
Possible Springs is a crime-mystery, but it also seems like a way of life. And I want to move there and never leave. So I'll no doubt read this again once I've forgotten the story. Which wont be an easy task.
Australian crime-mystery authors appear to be making a big splash this year, and this one is an exceptional debut. I would never have guessed it's the author's first offering in this genre, and I feel like Samantha Ross is an author to watch.
Get ready to fall in love with this book.
Original as it is quirky, funny and somehow poignant at the same time, Possible Springs is the kind of novel that stays with you. I'm so in love with this book, the story, the characters, the small town, the Aussie vibes, the landscape, the everything.
Possible Springs is a crime-mystery, but it also seems like a way of life. And I want to move there and never leave. So I'll no doubt read this again once I've forgotten the story. Which wont be an easy task.
Australian crime-mystery authors appear to be making a big splash this year, and this one is an exceptional debut. I would never have guessed it's the author's first offering in this genre, and I feel like Samantha Ross is an author to watch.
Get ready to fall in love with this book.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I love a small-town mystery and on the surface, this was exactly that.
When I read the blurb and discovered the main character, Jimny, develops an unnerving psychic ability after a near-death experience, I wasn’t sure how much I’d love that element. I don’t usually gravitate toward stories with a supernatural thread.
But 24 hours later, I was reading the final pages and wasn’t ready for it to end.
Throughout the entire novel I didn't know who to trust, what to believe or how things were going to be wrapped up. I settled in and just kept turning the pages and was not disappointed.
If you love small-town mysteries but want something with a suspenseful, psychological twist, this one needs to be on your TBR.
Thank you to Penguin for sending me an advanced copy of this engaging debut. Publishing June 2nd, 2026.
When I read the blurb and discovered the main character, Jimny, develops an unnerving psychic ability after a near-death experience, I wasn’t sure how much I’d love that element. I don’t usually gravitate toward stories with a supernatural thread.
But 24 hours later, I was reading the final pages and wasn’t ready for it to end.
Throughout the entire novel I didn't know who to trust, what to believe or how things were going to be wrapped up. I settled in and just kept turning the pages and was not disappointed.
If you love small-town mysteries but want something with a suspenseful, psychological twist, this one needs to be on your TBR.
Thank you to Penguin for sending me an advanced copy of this engaging debut. Publishing June 2nd, 2026.
Review of advance copy
Jimny died when she was eleven years old, and ever since then, she’s been able to hear people’s thoughts. She’s learnt how to adapt to this, but when children start to go missing and she’s asked to help, how is she going to say no?
I don’t think I’ve read a book that made use of so many Aussie phrases, and references. That’s not a complaint, it’s fantastic! I giggled at some of them.
The story was well written, and the characters were enjoyable. It honestly felt like the small town I grew up in, with all of the various personalities. You felt Jimny’s struggle with her “gift”, and how she’s uses it.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
I don’t think I’ve read a book that made use of so many Aussie phrases, and references. That’s not a complaint, it’s fantastic! I giggled at some of them.
The story was well written, and the characters were enjoyable. It honestly felt like the small town I grew up in, with all of the various personalities. You felt Jimny’s struggle with her “gift”, and how she’s uses it.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
July 14, 2026
I feel bad giving this book only 4 stars, because I really had high hopes for it. The level of detail in the whole novel was spectacular and Jimmny’s character development was top notch. I just felt it a bit slow at times, like it was dragged out for 100 extra pages that it didn’t need. I also found it really difficult to keep track of so many characters. However, I never would have guessed the ending which is amazing!
July 17, 2026
In Possible Springs, Samantha Ross has created characters that are so relatable! She writes with an honesty that makes the story feel deeply personal without being overdone.
I really liked the theme of life's uncertainties, as it reminded me that hope can appear in the most unexpected of places. I found it thoughtful, heartfelt, and beautifully written, with moments that made me smile and others that had me thinking.
Congratulations Samantha, would highly recommend!
I really liked the theme of life's uncertainties, as it reminded me that hope can appear in the most unexpected of places. I found it thoughtful, heartfelt, and beautifully written, with moments that made me smile and others that had me thinking.
Congratulations Samantha, would highly recommend!
July 24, 2026
It was good. The quote on the front summarized it well: a small town mystery, romance and magical realism in one book. Not what I was initially expecting but I stuck with it. I wanted to know the ending!
July 25, 2026
Three quarters through and I'm in love with this book. Can’t believe it’s a debut. So many references to my own childhood that spoke to me, fond and warm memories that make Possible Springs feel like home.
It’s funny, it’s moving, it’s intriguing and beautifully written.
It’s funny, it’s moving, it’s intriguing and beautifully written.
July 14, 2026
If you love a tight-knit community with dark secrets, you'll fall in love with Possible Springs just like I did.
July 19, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
July 31, 2026
I really enjoyed this book, a bit slow to start but as I got half way through I could not put down and I understood the slow start was required to fully understand the characters. Great story 👏
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews