Shaking Trees

by Vicki Stevens

Secrets hide within the branches of every family tree.

Abby Eaton thought she had life under control until she lost her job, her husband went AWOL, and her children proved a huge disappointment. After the arrival of a mysterious package she is compelled to rise above her misery and unravel the puzzling last months of a relative's life. Abby's quest turns perilous when a menacing stranger stalks her around the Australian countryside of Shadow Creek.

60 years earlier. A chance meeting in a Stanthorpe apple orchard gives Marion Douglas the incentive to break free of her father's manipulation, and forces Ben (Banjo) Patterson to drop his guard and fall in love. Overcoming obstacles, their relationship looks promising until tragedy strikes. Grieving, Banjo discovers startling evidence that leads him to question what he believes about Marion.

Can revelations from the past help Abby restore control of the present? Can new discoveries enable Banjo to survive the future?

Shaking Trees is an evocative, suspenseful mystery--with a touch of humour--about the fear that keeps the truth hidden from even those we love.

360 pages, Paperback

Published October 5, 2018

About the author

Vicki Stevens lives with her husband on the rural fringe of Brisbane, Australia. Her keen interest in genealogy and love of clever mysteries inspire her to write her Abby Eaton Mystery series. Reuniting several years ago with Gary Horwood, a former school classmate led to a collaboration to write Flames to a Moth, a coming-of-age thriller.

Reviews

[Jenny Stafford · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had been waiting for this book to become available and the wait was certainly worth it. I read it over two days and one late night ! The story got me hooked very quickly and I just had to find out what was going to happen next . It concluded very satisfactorily, but the teaser at the end has me waiting for the next Abby Eaton Mystery. Get writing Vicki Stevens!! I sensed I knew some of the settings and had fun visualising these places. The characters were interesting and consistent but I really got a surprise with a few happenings - I won't spoil the story for you! I have shared it with a couple of friends and they are now waiting to read the next book in the trilogy! It was a great read. Well done Vicki!

[Jane Ireland · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read an advance copy of this book and was hooked. From its gripping introduction, this quintessential Australian story retains its pace throughout, as sassy amateur sleuth Abby, presented with the perfect impetus, rushes headlong into uncovering sometimes shocking secrets of her family's past. The journey gives her respite from current problems flaring in her inner circle. The author uses humour to balance the story's darker themes and cruel behaviours of shady small-town characters, particularly in the 1950s, as Marion struggles with injustices imposed on her by a nasty, controlling father. But both women, past and present, have the strength to tackle cruelty, and flout social conventions and any implied skuttlebutt. Both stories flow seamlessly and are true to each era. I found 'Shaking Trees' to be a book about the power of love, hope and the courage to overcome obstacles. Highly recommended.

[Lyn Dixon · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I finally got a chance to sit down and read this book, I finished it in a day! It had an intriguing story line that made it hard to put down. I just couldn’t wait to see what the twist would be at the end. And the Author did not disappoint. I cannot wait to read the other books in the series.

[David Hearne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This mystery novel had me guessing to the end, and guessing wrong I might add! Beautifully written, and a terrific story to boot, I was pulled in from the very beginning.

The story is split across two distinct timelines. The characters inhabiting both are interesting and believable, meaning I cared what happened to them.

As Abby Eaton, our protagonist, gets closer to uncovering hidden secrets connected to her own family, we uncover the tragic story of lovers Banjo and Marion: she was going to meet him that day and things went awry. What really happened and who is stalking Abby as she attempts to find out?

I was hooked on this book and highly recommend it to you. You'll be transported to a very authentic Australia to enjoy an absolute gem of yarn that's well told. I look forward to the sequel.

[Brad Davies · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great story written in two time settings that took me into the scenes. Good plot and a real page turner.

[Travis Author · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most enjoyable mystery novels I have read. The two timelines dovetail perfectly for a climactic and enthralling conclusion.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

The small town of Shadow Creek, Australia has many secrets. Meet feisty Abby who not only has to cope with an absent husband, unruly offspring and losing her job, but she also stumbles onto a 60 year old mystery she feels compelled to unravel. A story of love and loss, tragedy and crime and the value of family with a touch of humor and wisdom. Great!

[Peta Culverhouse · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shaking Trees is an entertaining read with inspiration taken from real life events and fictionalised to create a fantastic past-present novel. Abby Eaton and her crew of misfits and family were fun to read.