Rain Music

by Di Morrissey, David Tredinnick (Narrator)

Di writes about the Australia she knows, she loves, she's explored.

Rain Music is inspired by her adventures in far north Queensland - its characters, its forgotten history, its modern dilemmas.

A brother and sister, Ned and Bella Chisholm, are struggling with a family tragedy that has set them on opposite paths. After Ned takes off to pursue his musical dreams in far north Queensland, he disappears. When Bella goes in search of her brother, she ends up in remote Cooktown and both their lives are dramatically changed in the isolated, little-known far north of Australia.

One story through two sets of eyes.

Duration: 12:45:00

Genres: Fiction, Book Club, Contemporary, Audiobook, Australia

13 pages, Audiobook

First published November 1, 2015

About the author

Di Morrissey (born 18 March 1943 in Wingham, New South Wales) is one of Australia's most popular female novelists. She grew up in the remote surrounds of Pittwater, north of Sydney, Australia.

Growing up she counted famous Australian actor Chips Rafferty as a close mentor and friend who helped provide for her and her mother after the death of her father as a child, sending them overseas to California to live with family.

In her later years, Di went on to become a journalist on London's Fleet Street, and worked for CBS in Honolulu, where she lived with her husband who was in the foreign service, and even had a small role in the series Hawaii Five-0, a guest role in season three, episode seven, 1970 starring as 'Alicia Anderson'.

After moving back to Australia, Di published her first book 'Heart of the Dreaming' which instantly became a bestseller. Since then Di has published another 17 bestsellers, her latest being 'The Silent Country'.

Reviews

[Suz · Rating 1 out of 5]

Again, I’ve chosen a dodgy audio cd to listen to. This novel was lacking storyline, interesting characters, any type of excitement and any type of reason to want to keep on reading. I did not enjoy it. This prolific author seems to write in an older generational tone, i.e. She writes not in the voice of youngsters. ‘Marvellous’ for instance, amongst so many others, the dialogue just doesn’t ring true. I’m not sure how she gets away with it, I don’t know how everyone isn’t noticing these things. The dialogue was stilted and unappealing. One portion of the storyline were some old letters being found, and these letters did not at all fit into the groove of the storyline. In fact, some of the sub plots just were not at all interesting, it was like it just didn’t fit together. I was not interested in the characters, they were boring and I was not invested in their lives whatsoever. This was mundane, boring and predictable. I don’t want to read this author anymore. I’m at a loss right now.

Oh, and of course, the narration was terrible. The change over from male to female was hard to listn to, even male to male, he was just trying to differentiate every character. At one stage I was trying to guess what was happening from male to female. He sounded like he was yawning! Yuck.

[Alice · Rating 2 out of 5]

I picked this book up because I kept coming across it in bookstores, and the reason why is - it's written by an Australian author, about Australian history.

From the beginning I got this feeling - the writing style feels like high school creative writing. Everything feels too structured, too... following the rules. I really like authors that break the 'rules' of writing and what not, and write freely. But this book felt like it was going to be graded by an english teacher for the way the sentences are phrased. So, because of that, I couldn't get into the story. I couldn't take it too seriously, the characters are in their mid 30s but felt immature to me, like they're teenagers.

The other main problem is the predictability. Very predictable. Of course, it's not a psychological mystery but still. The fact that it was so predictable made it feel more like a young adult. Sometimes I felt like I wasn't reading fiction, because the things that were being written about were so mundane and well, unnecessary.

The good thing about this book is the historical aspect. It was obviously much more interesting to read about Queensland back when the British settled in Australia than to read about what the siblings are going to do after lunch. Whether it's going to the library or the museum or argue.

Overall, I do not recommend, especially to young adults, as there are many more books out there that will amaze you with their imaginative worlds and characters. I think only people who have had similar experiences to the family in this book will really relate to the characters, and end up enjoying it.

[Sharon J · Rating 5 out of 5]

Di Morrissey writes wonderful stories. Set in Australia's North Queensland 'Rain Music' is a terrific story with great characters and an incredible location which is beautifully portrayed. Such an enjoyable novel - couldn't put it down!

[Sue Gerhardt Griffiths · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m a huge fan of Di Morrissey’s work, her wonderful stories and the unique places they are set in are always intriguing and engrossing. I have a real love for any books set in and around Australia but Far North Queensland tops my list of places to read about whether it’s fiction or non-fiction. Rain Music is one of those books I knew I would love the moment I read the blurb as the gorgeous locations for this story is set in Cairns, Daintree and Cooktown. Anyone who knows me knows that this tropical paradise is my happy holiday place, I can’t help but have a constant smile pasted on my face when visiting these regions.

Rain Music is a book filled with beautiful and vivid descriptions of tropical Nth Qld, the author also does an amazing job of creating relatable characters. The pacing in the beginning is a little slow but half way through it picks up speed on account of a bit of suspense, crime and drama thrown into the mix combined with Ned and Bella’s tiffs and their sibling love for each other kept me glued to the pages until the end.

I have a penchant for white book covers featuring only a small amount of artwork on the white cover - love that sort of design therefore this cover is awesome!

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my second Di Morrissey and I’ve really enjoyed both books. I’ve never been to Far North Queensland, but almost feel as though I have, after reading this. The descriptions were vivid, the story was great and I’m keen to continue my reading journey with this author. 4.5★

[Glenda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Who am I to criticize this great author? Usually love all of Di Morrisey's books, but sadly did not enjoy this book as much as other recent novels. I did read on and on hoping it would get better. I did not like Bella or Ned at all. Loved Jack. It finally did get a bit more interesting towards the end. Don't want to spoil the story for others who may enjoy it, but when you find out the reason for all the agro and cancelling a wedding I thought it was a bit of a lame excuse. Perhaps I am old and unshockable.
Sorry dear Di, but I will look forward to the next book...if I didn't know better I would have thought this book was written by "someone else".

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rain Music by Di Morrissey is an adventure and brilliant read from start to finish. Rain Music is set in Far North Queensland mostly around Cooktown. It's a real Australian read. One story through two sets of eyes. Poinciana trees as found in Queensland with music and the rainy season coming, museums and history are all part of this exciting new novel and adventure by Di Morrissey. I loved Rain Music.

[Helen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This author comes up with some really good ideas, set in Australia and with interesting backgrounds. However, the writing is at times cringe-worthy and the actions of the main characters, too contrived. I'd like to edit her books before they go to print, mark out sentences and words and say "find another way to say this!".

[Sandra Kearns · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book but i love most of Di Morrissey books

[Susanne Mills · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite enjoyed this book. Nice easy reading :) definitely recommend for a wet Sunday afternoon :)

[Keryn Rhule · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book and didn't like it. I would give it 2.5 stars - did not like the characters and there some lame reasons for why things happened but there were parts of the book I really enjoyed. This is my 1st Di Morrissey book and I would give another one a go as I believe this is one of her weakest books.

[Seadaz · Rating 1 out of 5]

Really did not enjoy this, I persisted in reading to the end, but kind of wish I didn't bother.

Real shame, I usually enjoy this author's books.

Characters aren't nice, Bella I found to be a selfish little cow, Ned to be a waste of space, the way he acted with the news of the baby was terrible.

I think that Bella's boyfriend that she strung along for so long should be with the girl that Ned was with (forget if name was Toni or Tori - and I only finished reading the book a few hours ago.

You get to the end of the book and there is no ending, no nice little endings to the various little stories intermingled with the big story.

One of the biggest turn offs for me was the self righteous preachy tone of the writing, hsven't found thst in her books before, but there was lots of White Policy in this one, sorry but I read a novel as escapism not to be preached to or to be made to feel guilty forbthings that had happened in the early years of this country.

Yes overall extremely disappointed in this book, and as an additional comment, her books usually have the nicest covers, having been to Cairns, Port Douglas and Mosman , the cover could have been so much more enticing.

Big fail...actually changing my rating from 2 to 1, as I really did not enjoy.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I haven’t picked up a book by this author in quite a while and I’ve had this book sitting on my bookshelf for many years. Aussie Author Di Morrissey writes beautiful stories and her descriptions are so well written this book was a pure joy to read. Recommended.

[L M · Rating 1 out of 5]

Normally love a Di Morrissey story, but just could not get into this one. Started off okay but just didn't develop or I lost interest before it did. Did not finish. Life is short moved onto another book.

[MichelleG · Rating 4 out of 5]

A stunningly beautiful story about love, family and secrets uncovered.

[Bev Maybury · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting story but I did not enjoy this book as much as I have others written by this author.

[Bookfan36 · Rating 4 out of 5]

What It’s About

Set in Far North Queensland, Rain Music follows siblings Ned and Bella, who each travel north for different reasons. Ned is a musician struggling creatively and personally, hoping that time in the tropics will help him write a musical. Bella is escaping her own pressures and looking for clarity. Their separate paths draw them into the lives and stories of the people who call the region home.

Review

I picked up Rain Music because it’s written by Di Morrissey, an author I enjoy for her strong sense of place, vivid landscapes, and character‑driven storytelling. I was in the mood for something atmospheric set in Australia, and her books always deliver that immersive feeling of stepping into a landscape.

This was a vivid, beautifully paced, and highly atmospheric story. Di Morrissey brings Far North Queensland to life with rich sensory detail — the humidity, the rainforest scents, the lush greens, the tropical light. The landscape is so alive on the page that it becomes a character in its own right.

One of the most impressive aspects of the book is the way she captures the build‑up — that tense, heavy period at the end of the dry season just before the wet begins. The air thickens, tempers shorten, emotions sit closer to the surface, and everything feels like it’s holding its breath. Morrissey depicts this perfectly. There’s also the very real pressure that if you want to leave, you have to do it soon or you’ll be stuck for months. That sense of running out of time adds a subtle but constant tension to the story.

Far North Queensland is unlike anywhere else in the world — a special place that attracts interesting, unconventional people, each with their own stories and motivations. Morrissey captures that wonderfully. She also highlights what makes the region worth protecting: the environment, the history, the people, and their deep connection to the land. The conservation thread is subtle but ever‑present.

The characters are very well developed. Ned’s storyline — a musician trying to write a musical while wrestling with creative block and personal doubts — adds a thoughtful, introspective layer. Bella’s journey brings a different emotional tone, and together their experiences create a warm, engaging portrait of people shaped by place.

The pacing is smooth and engaging. It moves gently but confidently, allowing the atmosphere to shine without ever feeling slow. It’s not a plot‑heavy book; it’s about the people, the place, and the quiet ways they influence each other.

Overall, Rain Music is a warm, vivid, and beautifully written novel with a strong sense of place, exceptionally well‑drawn characters, and a wonderfully captured tropical tension.

My Rating

Plot – 4 out of 5 stars
Steady, engaging, and well balanced with the atmosphere.

Characters – 4.5 out of 5 stars
Very well developed, layered, and memorable.

Writing – 4.5 out of 5 stars
Vivid, immersive, and richly atmospheric.

Enjoyment – 4.5 out of 5 stars
A beautifully paced, absorbing read.

Overall – 4 to 4.5 stars
A vivid, atmospheric novel with strong characters and a wonderful sense of place.

Recommended For

Fans of Di Morrissey
Readers who enjoy Australian settings and rainforest atmospheres
Those who like character‑driven stories
Anyone interested in themes of identity, belonging, and connection to place

[Chloe A · Rating 1 out of 5]

This had all the potential of an engaging novel - interesting, diverse characters; incredible settings; rich, real history to draw upon - but it was horribly written. The storyline could’ve been great, however, every engaging event is skimmed over and there are pages and pages of descriptions about things that have no bearing on the actual story, and make every character o it to be a shallow, obvious stereotype. I thought about putting the book down about halfway through but pressed on as I expected it to eventually get interesting. It does not. I have never cared less about what happens in a book I’m reading.

[Louise M · Rating 4 out of 5]

I chose Rain Music by Di Morrissey, mostly because I enjoy life in Far North Queensland. I think the characters are quite typical of the people I know in that region of Australia. This novel is not a mystery or thriller, even though there are a couple of crimes committed. It is not a passionate love story, even though love plays a role. The plot is reasonably predictable. The language is straightforward, like any cozy novel. The ending seems a bit rushed and weak. It is the place, the Cooktown region, with its history and its distance from hectic city life that makes this novel an enjoyable light read.

[Rebekah Murray · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have only read one other of Di Morrisey’s books which I loved. While travelling in FNQ and staying in Cooktown I found Rain Music in the Cooktown museum and had to buy it. While reading I was delighted that Di Morrissey described so carefully most of the places I had visited during my stay, even describing, uncannily, a photo in the museum that I myself took an interest in! Mind blowing!! She is a beautiful writer, however, I didn’t love the story all that much. I found Bella a bit frustrating and meddling!

I have another book of Di Morrisey’s to read so I will give her another shot :)

[Fatema Johera Ahmed · Rating 3 out of 5]

Morrissey’s biography in Rain Music states that her “[f]ascination with different countries - their cultural, political and environmental issues - has been the catalyst for her novels which are all inspired by a particular landscape”, and this perfectly encapsulates all the novels that I have read of hers so far. Having stumbled upon Morrissey in my bid to read more Australian novels this year, I’ve found Morrissey’s description of Queensland very interesting, definitely even more interesting than the actual plot and characters. The landscape is then perhaps Morrissey’s strongest suit.

[Laraine · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 star read. I am really enjoying discovering Di Morrissey's terrific novels about life in Australia. This time, she is in the Far North Queensland area and we meet Ned, a musician who has come to an isolated area to write music and expand his horizons. His sister Bella comes to find him and urge him to come home. But their experiences there before the Big Wet arrives, change both of them and family secrets are shared and lives changed forever. A really good read.

[Sabrina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rain Music is a family-related story of a musician, Ned, who travels to Cooktown to find some time to create new music. Along the way, he meets Toni, a psychotherapist. Ned's sister from Tennyson visits Ned to try and convince him to attend an event for his father. The story has a lot of historical aspects of Cooktown and surrounds in the book and is very descriptive of how life may be like in far north Queensland.

[Cristina Reid · Rating 5 out of 5]

In thewilds of Australia so many cultures mingle and the place is told in this narrative in the description of alternative lifestylers that come and make their homes here, there is a generosity in people and also others who are on the wild side of life, it is so remote that conjures up all sorts of thought.

What great life it is for the musician and that he finally wants the truth to come out and to be honest, and that others learn from him how free up themselves.

[Carla Jean · Rating 3 out of 5]

Meh. Highly average. I felt like it had great potential but the story was a bit jumbled for me. I tried to figure out how the title matched with the story, and how the story of Sister Evangeline letters matched with Ant and the abduction of Bella. Then, the story just ended at the airport. With no follow through of what happened with the father's ceremony or with Toni & Ned. Like I said, a bit jumbled and disjointed.

[Lesley · Rating 1 out of 5]

Given to me as a present... I wish I didn't waste the few days reading this book. Very basic, plot and character development is very lineal. The language used for the younger characters in their 30s was more suitable to the voice of a 60 year old... very frustrating to read.
Don't waste your time.

[Lea Manning · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is my first Di Morissey read and probably my last. A weak and boring plot. The language used by Bella and Ned was like that from a bygone era, not a musician and a modern career woman. As a Cairns local, I was frustrated by the mention of surfboards ( no surf in FNQ) and the Atherton plateau. ( actually called Atherton tablelands)
Don't bother.

[Louise Brazenor · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very easy and enjoyable read. Di has fabulous description of places and does a lot of research on the history of a place. Great insight into early days of the gold fields, Chinese involvement and miners from
all walks of life. Her descriptions of North Queensland and especially Cooktown brought back many memories for me. This of course was background to modern day and family and love.

[Joy Norman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyed her book as she always gives insight into Australian history and her love of our country comes through her books. I like the way that this story shows two view points. LIked her book however for me the best ones

[Lisa Wiltshire · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story took a painfully long time to read. Nothing really happened until the last 150 pages. Di Morrissey needs to stop using words that people don’t use in every day life such as acquiesce. There isn’t any need for it. The FMC was so annoying.