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Under the Midnight Sky
Chilling secrets buried deep in wild bushland drive this thrilling new novel from bestseller Anna Romer
When an injured teenager goes missing at a remote bushland campground, local journalist Abby Bardot is determined to expose the area’s dark history. The girl bears a striking resemblance to the victims of three brutal murders that occurred twenty years ago and Abby fears the killer is still on the loose.
But the newspaper Abby works for wants to suppress the story for fear it will scare off tourists to the struggling township. Haunted by her own turbulent memories, Abby is desperate to learn the truth and enlists the help of Tom Gabriel, a reclusive crime writer. At first resentful of Abby’s intrusion, Tom’s reluctance vanishes when they discover a hidden attic room in his house that shows evidence of imprisonment from half a century before.
As Abby and Tom sift through the attic room and discover its tragic history, they become convinced it holds the key to solving the bushland murders and finding the missing girl alive.
But their quest has drawn out a killer, someone with a shocking secret who will stop at nothing to keep the truth buried.
When an injured teenager goes missing at a remote bushland campground, local journalist Abby Bardot is determined to expose the area’s dark history. The girl bears a striking resemblance to the victims of three brutal murders that occurred twenty years ago and Abby fears the killer is still on the loose.
But the newspaper Abby works for wants to suppress the story for fear it will scare off tourists to the struggling township. Haunted by her own turbulent memories, Abby is desperate to learn the truth and enlists the help of Tom Gabriel, a reclusive crime writer. At first resentful of Abby’s intrusion, Tom’s reluctance vanishes when they discover a hidden attic room in his house that shows evidence of imprisonment from half a century before.
As Abby and Tom sift through the attic room and discover its tragic history, they become convinced it holds the key to solving the bushland murders and finding the missing girl alive.
But their quest has drawn out a killer, someone with a shocking secret who will stop at nothing to keep the truth buried.
306 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 23, 2019
27 people are currently reading
788 people want to read
About the author
Anna Romer
10 books243 followersAnna Romer is an internationally bestselling Australian author of mystery and romance, both historical and contemporary, with paranormal elements – ghosts, haunted houses, and fairytales. She lives on the coast in North Eastern Australia and when she’s not writing she’s a keen gardener, knitter, bushwalker and conservationist.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 155 reviews
April 10, 2019
Anna Romer has told a well crafted and absorbing tale of love in all it's forms - not just romance, but also the bond between siblings, the enduring love between a long married couple as well as a darker twisted, obsessive love.
Abby Bardot is a journalist for a local paper, living in a small NSW country town near a mountainous wilderness area called Deepwater Gorge reserve. Out running one day she comes across an unconcious, injured teenage girl, but when she comes back with help she has disappeared. No one has been reported missing but Abby is concerned that events from the past could be happening again. When she was twelve Abby was abducted and locked in a dark cabin somewhere within the reserve. Although she managed to escape, the experience has always haunted her, especially after her best friend Alice was later abducted and killed.
While interviewing a famous writer, Tom Gabriel, who recently bought an old run-down mansion near Deepwater Gorge, Abby discovers a hidden attic room in his house, clearly used to keep someone prisoner. A page from a secret diary that they find leads Tom and Abby to gradually uncover the tale of two young sisters abducted in the 1940s and held captive for years.
Romer has masterfully woven these strands together to bring us a suspenseful and engaging novel as secrets buried deep in the past are all eventually brought to light by Abby's dogged investigations. Her descriptions of the wilderness of the Gorge, pristine but unconquerable, also add to the atmosphere of suspense and tension. Highly recommended. 4.5★
With thanks to Netgalley and Simon & Schuster for a digital ARC to read
Abby Bardot is a journalist for a local paper, living in a small NSW country town near a mountainous wilderness area called Deepwater Gorge reserve. Out running one day she comes across an unconcious, injured teenage girl, but when she comes back with help she has disappeared. No one has been reported missing but Abby is concerned that events from the past could be happening again. When she was twelve Abby was abducted and locked in a dark cabin somewhere within the reserve. Although she managed to escape, the experience has always haunted her, especially after her best friend Alice was later abducted and killed.
While interviewing a famous writer, Tom Gabriel, who recently bought an old run-down mansion near Deepwater Gorge, Abby discovers a hidden attic room in his house, clearly used to keep someone prisoner. A page from a secret diary that they find leads Tom and Abby to gradually uncover the tale of two young sisters abducted in the 1940s and held captive for years.
Romer has masterfully woven these strands together to bring us a suspenseful and engaging novel as secrets buried deep in the past are all eventually brought to light by Abby's dogged investigations. Her descriptions of the wilderness of the Gorge, pristine but unconquerable, also add to the atmosphere of suspense and tension. Highly recommended. 4.5★
With thanks to Netgalley and Simon & Schuster for a digital ARC to read
April 19, 2019
I did not really enjoy the first book I read by this author, Thornwood House, but I am very glad I gave her a second chance. Under the Midnight Sky was a very enjoyable read indeed.
I loved the Australian setting and the characters were excellent. There was just the right amount of romance between Abby and Tom to balance the suspense of the disappearing children and recovered bodies. As happens in so many books lately the story is told in two time periods and the author handles this well. It was hard to work out the identity of the murderer and the author served up a clever twist right at the end.
All in all this was an excellent read, nicely written with some clever ideas. Recommended!
I loved the Australian setting and the characters were excellent. There was just the right amount of romance between Abby and Tom to balance the suspense of the disappearing children and recovered bodies. As happens in so many books lately the story is told in two time periods and the author handles this well. It was hard to work out the identity of the murderer and the author served up a clever twist right at the end.
All in all this was an excellent read, nicely written with some clever ideas. Recommended!
May 31, 2019
Again I am a little behind in my reviewing, this is not good for a reader that suffers from appalling book memory! Firstly I found it a little distracting that this audio version had the same narrator as that of The Van Apfel Girls Are Gone. This is my issue but it got in the way. Lucky the female narrator is a skilled on and delivered a satisfying performance.
Abby, a journalist is keen to interview Tom, a reclusive author who lives alone in a lovely old property. He has a broken leg and the kind hearted Abby ends up staying to help (I can't remember if there was a storm stopping her from making it back home?). Having her own issues from the past, she wants to use her journalistic skills to solve the current case of a missing teenage girl. With Tom she starts to delve into the past, but what she finds is a link to the case of two missing sisters from decades earlier. We hear this through alternate time lines.
I enjoyed this authors writing, but I must not have been entirely sold on the story line, it was a little too 'neat' for my liking. There was a lot of forgiveness where it wasn't overly feasible and I was not too keen on the ending. Just an okay read for me, but still happy to have a book to listen to on my various commutes.
Abby, a journalist is keen to interview Tom, a reclusive author who lives alone in a lovely old property. He has a broken leg and the kind hearted Abby ends up staying to help (I can't remember if there was a storm stopping her from making it back home?). Having her own issues from the past, she wants to use her journalistic skills to solve the current case of a missing teenage girl. With Tom she starts to delve into the past, but what she finds is a link to the case of two missing sisters from decades earlier. We hear this through alternate time lines.
I enjoyed this authors writing, but I must not have been entirely sold on the story line, it was a little too 'neat' for my liking. There was a lot of forgiveness where it wasn't overly feasible and I was not too keen on the ending. Just an okay read for me, but still happy to have a book to listen to on my various commutes.
March 26, 2019
Continually haunted by her own experiences as a twelve-year-old, Abby Bardot kept people at arm’s length. Now a newspaper reporter, Abby wanted to write an article about the murders of young girls that had occurred in the woods surrounding the small town she lived in. She felt families, especially young girls, needed to be aware of the dangers. When she found a young girl, injured and seemingly unconscious up at one of the lookouts, the surging memories hit immediately. But when she directed the ambulance back to the spot, the young girl was gone…
In her quest to interview reclusive writer, Tom Gabriel, Abby arrived at his home in the woods one day, sure he wouldn’t turn her away. The beautiful old home of Ravensong which Tom had recently purchased, captivated Abby. But over days, and during the process of the interview, a tiny hidden room was discovered, high up in the attic. Tom and Abby’s shock at what they found had them digging deeply into the past. Was it connected to the latest young girl who’d gone missing? And would they be able to find her before it was too late?
Wow! Aussie author Anna Romer’s latest novel, Under the Midnight Sky, is an absolute screamer! The chilling twists, the secrets buried so deeply the years flew by without knowledge by police or anyone else. The innocent and the lost; the heartache; the fear and terror – all blended perfectly to form a novel which made my heart race. A perfect psychological thriller which I thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.
With thanks to Simon & Schuster AU for my uncorrected proof ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
In her quest to interview reclusive writer, Tom Gabriel, Abby arrived at his home in the woods one day, sure he wouldn’t turn her away. The beautiful old home of Ravensong which Tom had recently purchased, captivated Abby. But over days, and during the process of the interview, a tiny hidden room was discovered, high up in the attic. Tom and Abby’s shock at what they found had them digging deeply into the past. Was it connected to the latest young girl who’d gone missing? And would they be able to find her before it was too late?
Wow! Aussie author Anna Romer’s latest novel, Under the Midnight Sky, is an absolute screamer! The chilling twists, the secrets buried so deeply the years flew by without knowledge by police or anyone else. The innocent and the lost; the heartache; the fear and terror – all blended perfectly to form a novel which made my heart race. A perfect psychological thriller which I thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.
With thanks to Simon & Schuster AU for my uncorrected proof ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
June 17, 2021
Abby lives in a small country town in NSW called Deepwater Gorge and she works as a journalist for a small local newspaper. While out going for a run along a track in the Australian bush, Abby finds a young girl who's alive but hurt and non responsive. Due to the remote location, she has no phone coverage, she has to run back to get help and when she returns the girl has gone. The area is what we call scrub or bush in Australia it's a dense over grown mixture of native plants, ferns and trees. I can understand just how creepy the situation was for Abby, is someone hiding behind trees looking at her and what happened to the missing girl?
After contacting the local police, Abby gets the brush off and after asking a few questions she finds out that a young teenage girl is missing, her name is Shayla and has a history of running away. Her mum isn't that worried and thinks she will either return home or turn up at her dads. Abby seems to be the only one who is concerned, twenty years ago two girls bodies were found in the same area, a local man was arrested, the latest missing girl called Shayla looks a lot like one of the victims and she starts to have doubts about if they have the real killer in jail?
Abby is given a hard task by her boss, she's to try and interview a famous writer called Tom Gabriel, he has just purchased an old mansion called Ravensong and he writes crime novels. The weather in Australia can be fickle so while interviewing Tom it starts to pour with rain, Abby ends up having to stay at Ravensong for a couple of days due to the only road out of the property is covered by water and isn't safe to cross. While staying with Tom, she notices a strange window on one side of the house, it is covered by metal bars and she finds out that it's actually a secret room that no one knows about and not even Tom the houses new owner.
While nosing around Abby finds a page for a secret diary, it's about two girls who have been locked up in the house for 5 years and kept captive by a man called Ennis. As she delves into the past, Abby discovers two girls went missing in the 1940's, they're sisters called Frankie and Lily. They had never been found and she notices that the story of the missing girls has a lot in common with the story about the two girls who went missing 20 years ago and in the same area. As Abby tries to find out what happened to the girls in the 1940's she meets an older couple called Lil and Joe.
Anna Romer's book is a brilliant psychological thriller, it has so many twists and turns that you can't predict what will happen next, add the creepy Australian bush into the story and it sent shivers down my spine. You question how close is the bond between siblings, the love between and older couple, are they as nice as they seem to be and what secrets have been covered up?
Tom and Abby are also getting close, start to have feeling for each other and is it possible for them to start a relationship. Under The Midnight Sky has so many layers, it keeps you guessing right to the end and I couldn't stop reading it. I really enjoyed the book and I gave it five stars.
I shared my review on Goodreads, NetGalley, Twitter, Australian Amazon, Kobo and on my blog.
https://karrenreadsbooks.blogspot.com/
After contacting the local police, Abby gets the brush off and after asking a few questions she finds out that a young teenage girl is missing, her name is Shayla and has a history of running away. Her mum isn't that worried and thinks she will either return home or turn up at her dads. Abby seems to be the only one who is concerned, twenty years ago two girls bodies were found in the same area, a local man was arrested, the latest missing girl called Shayla looks a lot like one of the victims and she starts to have doubts about if they have the real killer in jail?
Abby is given a hard task by her boss, she's to try and interview a famous writer called Tom Gabriel, he has just purchased an old mansion called Ravensong and he writes crime novels. The weather in Australia can be fickle so while interviewing Tom it starts to pour with rain, Abby ends up having to stay at Ravensong for a couple of days due to the only road out of the property is covered by water and isn't safe to cross. While staying with Tom, she notices a strange window on one side of the house, it is covered by metal bars and she finds out that it's actually a secret room that no one knows about and not even Tom the houses new owner.
While nosing around Abby finds a page for a secret diary, it's about two girls who have been locked up in the house for 5 years and kept captive by a man called Ennis. As she delves into the past, Abby discovers two girls went missing in the 1940's, they're sisters called Frankie and Lily. They had never been found and she notices that the story of the missing girls has a lot in common with the story about the two girls who went missing 20 years ago and in the same area. As Abby tries to find out what happened to the girls in the 1940's she meets an older couple called Lil and Joe.
Anna Romer's book is a brilliant psychological thriller, it has so many twists and turns that you can't predict what will happen next, add the creepy Australian bush into the story and it sent shivers down my spine. You question how close is the bond between siblings, the love between and older couple, are they as nice as they seem to be and what secrets have been covered up?
Tom and Abby are also getting close, start to have feeling for each other and is it possible for them to start a relationship. Under The Midnight Sky has so many layers, it keeps you guessing right to the end and I couldn't stop reading it. I really enjoyed the book and I gave it five stars.
I shared my review on Goodreads, NetGalley, Twitter, Australian Amazon, Kobo and on my blog.
https://karrenreadsbooks.blogspot.com/
October 17, 2021
Under the Midnight Sky
This book was so good, it was gripping and intense.
The story is set in remote Australian bushland and is centred around a local newspaper journalist Abby Bardot and a reclusive crime writer Tom Gabriel. Abby is hoping for an interview with Tom who has recently bought the old mansion near Deepwater Gorge known as Ravensong.
Out running in the bush early morning, Abby finds an unconscious teenage girl with a head wound, she goes off to call an ambulance but when she returns with help the girls body has disappeared.
Twenty years earlier a number of young girls had been murdered or disappeared in this same bushland area including Abby's best friend who was abducted and killed when she was twelve, this has haunted Abby’s dreams ever since and in her mind she feels responsible for her death.
Abby is tormented by her own painful memories as a twelve year old when she was abducted and locked away in a dark cave or was it a cave? She has always wanted to write about the murders in her town and begins to delve into the past when she finds an unexpected link in Tom's house, which unexpectedly draws out the killer.
The perfect psychological thriller, it was so intriguing and the characters were cleverly portrayed. There were so many buried secrets and a dramatic climax. I found the author, Anna Romer has an ingenious story telling ability because I didn’t want to put this book down.
This book was so good, it was gripping and intense.
The story is set in remote Australian bushland and is centred around a local newspaper journalist Abby Bardot and a reclusive crime writer Tom Gabriel. Abby is hoping for an interview with Tom who has recently bought the old mansion near Deepwater Gorge known as Ravensong.
Out running in the bush early morning, Abby finds an unconscious teenage girl with a head wound, she goes off to call an ambulance but when she returns with help the girls body has disappeared.
Twenty years earlier a number of young girls had been murdered or disappeared in this same bushland area including Abby's best friend who was abducted and killed when she was twelve, this has haunted Abby’s dreams ever since and in her mind she feels responsible for her death.
Abby is tormented by her own painful memories as a twelve year old when she was abducted and locked away in a dark cave or was it a cave? She has always wanted to write about the murders in her town and begins to delve into the past when she finds an unexpected link in Tom's house, which unexpectedly draws out the killer.
The perfect psychological thriller, it was so intriguing and the characters were cleverly portrayed. There were so many buried secrets and a dramatic climax. I found the author, Anna Romer has an ingenious story telling ability because I didn’t want to put this book down.
August 1, 2019
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Under the Midnight Sky by Anna Romer. (2019).
An injured teenager goes missing at a remote bushland campground and journalist Abby is determined to expose the area's dark history. The girl resembles three murder victims from 20 years ago and Abby fears the killer is still on the loose. Abby's newspaper wants to suppress the story and sends her to write an article on Tom, a reclusive crime writer. Abby and Tom end up investigating together after finding a hidden attic room in Tom's house that shows evidence of imprisonment from 50 years ago. Abby and Tom become convinced that it is somehow connected to the bushland murders and the key to finding the missing teenage girl alive.
I haven't read any of this author's books before but I'm certainly keen to now as I devoured this novel! I seriously read this 400 page book in a few hours because I was totally engrossed and didn't want to put it down. I had what felt like an outlandish theory in relation to one of the mysteries by halfway through that turned out to be right (my husband tells me I read so much that now I'm rarely surprised by a twist haha) but that didn't affect my enjoyment in any way because I kept second guessing my theory haha! I liked Abby, I liked Tom, I liked the budding chemistry between Abby and Tom. I thought this book flowed really well and was very engaging.
I highly recommend this novel for those looking for an excellent crime mystery novel and would suggest binge reading it if you can! Definitely one of my favourite reads so far this year.
*www.facebook.com/onewomansbbr
Under the Midnight Sky by Anna Romer. (2019).
An injured teenager goes missing at a remote bushland campground and journalist Abby is determined to expose the area's dark history. The girl resembles three murder victims from 20 years ago and Abby fears the killer is still on the loose. Abby's newspaper wants to suppress the story and sends her to write an article on Tom, a reclusive crime writer. Abby and Tom end up investigating together after finding a hidden attic room in Tom's house that shows evidence of imprisonment from 50 years ago. Abby and Tom become convinced that it is somehow connected to the bushland murders and the key to finding the missing teenage girl alive.
I haven't read any of this author's books before but I'm certainly keen to now as I devoured this novel! I seriously read this 400 page book in a few hours because I was totally engrossed and didn't want to put it down. I had what felt like an outlandish theory in relation to one of the mysteries by halfway through that turned out to be right (my husband tells me I read so much that now I'm rarely surprised by a twist haha) but that didn't affect my enjoyment in any way because I kept second guessing my theory haha! I liked Abby, I liked Tom, I liked the budding chemistry between Abby and Tom. I thought this book flowed really well and was very engaging.
I highly recommend this novel for those looking for an excellent crime mystery novel and would suggest binge reading it if you can! Definitely one of my favourite reads so far this year.
March 16, 2019
4.5★s
Under The Midnight Sky is the fourth novel by Australian author, Anna Romer. Journalist Abby Barton runs every day, through the Deepwater Gorge Reserve, searching. She’s determined to find some clue to the horror she endured twenty years earlier, and to the abduction of her good friend. She’s passionate about warning teenaged girls of the danger, even though the man who abducted her is in jail.
When she stumbles on a young girl, unconscious, in a clearing, she hurries to summon help, but the girl has disappeared before the ambulance arrives. It just strengthens her resolve to publish her cautionary article. But her editor at the Gundara Express insists that she first get a tell-all interview with reclusive author, Tom Gabriel, whose novels based on true crime are best-sellers.
Tom has bought Ravensong, right there on the edge of Deepwater Gorge, but the book he’s trying to write is resisting his efforts. The last thing he needs is another journalist writing a great pack of lies and smearing his reputation for some scandal sheet. Unfortunately, when Abby arrives, he’s in a rather vulnerable predicament and Abby makes the most of her advantage. Neither, though, is unaware to the frisson of attraction between them.
The discovery of a hidden room in Ravensong, a blood-stained pillow and a page, hinting at two young girls held captive, torn from a handwritten 1949 diary, immediately excites Abby’s investigative impulses and stimulates Tom’s creative juices. Could Frankie and Lilly have survived? If so, where are they now? And is it related to the other missing girls?
As well as narratives from several different perspectives, the story is told by diary entries and memory flashbacks. Romer’s descriptive prose is so evocative that the reader can just about smell the eucalyptus trees and hear the birdsong that characterises the Australian bush. Her characters are believable, each having some history of their own to affect their behaviour, and their dialogue is natural.
Romer’s plot is intriguing, with twists and turns and red herrings that keep the reader guessing right up to the dramatic climax. In addition to giving the reader a riveting page-turner, Romer touches on society’s attitudes to runaway teens and the almost-universal preconceived ideas about the predators who endangering young girls. PTSD also features. An atmospheric tale of tragedy and hope that will appeal to lovers of good Aussie fiction.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley, Better Reading Preview and Simon & Schuster Australia.
Under The Midnight Sky is the fourth novel by Australian author, Anna Romer. Journalist Abby Barton runs every day, through the Deepwater Gorge Reserve, searching. She’s determined to find some clue to the horror she endured twenty years earlier, and to the abduction of her good friend. She’s passionate about warning teenaged girls of the danger, even though the man who abducted her is in jail.
When she stumbles on a young girl, unconscious, in a clearing, she hurries to summon help, but the girl has disappeared before the ambulance arrives. It just strengthens her resolve to publish her cautionary article. But her editor at the Gundara Express insists that she first get a tell-all interview with reclusive author, Tom Gabriel, whose novels based on true crime are best-sellers.
Tom has bought Ravensong, right there on the edge of Deepwater Gorge, but the book he’s trying to write is resisting his efforts. The last thing he needs is another journalist writing a great pack of lies and smearing his reputation for some scandal sheet. Unfortunately, when Abby arrives, he’s in a rather vulnerable predicament and Abby makes the most of her advantage. Neither, though, is unaware to the frisson of attraction between them.
The discovery of a hidden room in Ravensong, a blood-stained pillow and a page, hinting at two young girls held captive, torn from a handwritten 1949 diary, immediately excites Abby’s investigative impulses and stimulates Tom’s creative juices. Could Frankie and Lilly have survived? If so, where are they now? And is it related to the other missing girls?
As well as narratives from several different perspectives, the story is told by diary entries and memory flashbacks. Romer’s descriptive prose is so evocative that the reader can just about smell the eucalyptus trees and hear the birdsong that characterises the Australian bush. Her characters are believable, each having some history of their own to affect their behaviour, and their dialogue is natural.
Romer’s plot is intriguing, with twists and turns and red herrings that keep the reader guessing right up to the dramatic climax. In addition to giving the reader a riveting page-turner, Romer touches on society’s attitudes to runaway teens and the almost-universal preconceived ideas about the predators who endangering young girls. PTSD also features. An atmospheric tale of tragedy and hope that will appeal to lovers of good Aussie fiction.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley, Better Reading Preview and Simon & Schuster Australia.
April 1, 2019
*https://theburgeoningbookshelf.blogsp...
4.5 stars
Abby is still plagued by nightmares 20 years after her friend was murdered and found in a shallow grave in the gorge.
When a young girl from the area goes missing no-one is too concerned, runaways are all too common in Gundara. Abby is determined to search for this girl hoping she may also find answers to her friend’s murder.
Tom, internationally acclaimed author, has moved to Ravensong, a rambling and remote home in the bush surrounding Gundara. He wants to escape society after a very public and disastrous divorce. A fall from a ladder and a journalist after the interview of a life-time, bring Abby and Tom together.
I thoroughly enjoyed Under the Midnight Sky and was swept away in the remote countryside and the mysteries held in the gorge.
The apathy toward the low socio-economic community in Gundara and the lack of action by the police in reference to the runaways was disturbing but understandable.
Little hooks of information are delivered to sink you into the story, making the mystery bigger and more compelling, with each new snippet.
The story is narrated in multiple perspectives often changing within a chapter. I usually find this type of narration confusing however Romer pulls it off by changing the scene as well as the narration.
The story holds mysteries within a mystery all layered on top of each other and centred around the murdered girls.
An underlying theme of love runs deep through the novel. The love of a sibling; shows Ennis not being able to let go of his sister long after her death. With sisters Lilly and Frankie, Romer explores how far a person will go to protect someone they love. We can see Abby’s love for her alcoholic father, even though she denies it. Lil and Joe, an elderly couple nearing the end of their life, epitomise enduring love, not being able to imagine a time when they will not be together. And we also follow the burgeoning love between Abby and Tom.
Under the Midnight Sky is atmospheric and moving. Anna Romer is one of the great story tellers of our time.
*I received an ARC from the publisher via Better Reading Preview.
4.5 stars
Abby is still plagued by nightmares 20 years after her friend was murdered and found in a shallow grave in the gorge.
When a young girl from the area goes missing no-one is too concerned, runaways are all too common in Gundara. Abby is determined to search for this girl hoping she may also find answers to her friend’s murder.
Tom, internationally acclaimed author, has moved to Ravensong, a rambling and remote home in the bush surrounding Gundara. He wants to escape society after a very public and disastrous divorce. A fall from a ladder and a journalist after the interview of a life-time, bring Abby and Tom together.
I thoroughly enjoyed Under the Midnight Sky and was swept away in the remote countryside and the mysteries held in the gorge.
The apathy toward the low socio-economic community in Gundara and the lack of action by the police in reference to the runaways was disturbing but understandable.
Little hooks of information are delivered to sink you into the story, making the mystery bigger and more compelling, with each new snippet.
The story is narrated in multiple perspectives often changing within a chapter. I usually find this type of narration confusing however Romer pulls it off by changing the scene as well as the narration.
The story holds mysteries within a mystery all layered on top of each other and centred around the murdered girls.
An underlying theme of love runs deep through the novel. The love of a sibling; shows Ennis not being able to let go of his sister long after her death. With sisters Lilly and Frankie, Romer explores how far a person will go to protect someone they love. We can see Abby’s love for her alcoholic father, even though she denies it. Lil and Joe, an elderly couple nearing the end of their life, epitomise enduring love, not being able to imagine a time when they will not be together. And we also follow the burgeoning love between Abby and Tom.
Under the Midnight Sky is atmospheric and moving. Anna Romer is one of the great story tellers of our time.
*I received an ARC from the publisher via Better Reading Preview.
March 13, 2020
Under the Midnight Sky by Anna Roma was one of the best books I have read in a long time. I actually listened to it on audio CD read by Eloise Oxer. This was the first and only book that I have read by Anna Romer but I would most definitely seek out other books she has written. This was one of those books that you never wanted to end. I found myself sitting in my car mesmerized by the story and the characters. The story just pulled me in and as it advanced I got more and more tangled up in it right up to the unexpected ending.
Abby Barbot grew up in a small town in Australia with her mother, father and brother. Her mother left when Abby was a young girl and never returned. Abby's father was always prone to having a drink but when her mother left, her dad started drinking even more heavily. Her father was a scientist and involved with the environment. Abby seemed to take an interest in that as well but she opted to become a journalist after she attended university. When Abby was a young girl of twelve her class was going on a trip to the reserve. Her dad refused to let Abby go but Abby went anyways. Unable to find her class, Abby found herself lost in the reserve. She was captured by a someone and put in a dirt cave. Luckily she was able to escape. A few days later, Abby's friend Alice and Abby had planned to skip school and return to that place to find out who had taken Abby and where she was taken. Abby was petrified of going back so she hid and watched Alice go to the reserve by herself. Alice never returned and was never found. The horror of that experience lived in her dreams and waking moments for more than twenty years. Abby always blamed herself for what happened to Alice and she could never shake the fearful feelings about her own experience.
Now twenty years later, Abby found herself back in the same village she grew up in working for a local newspaper. She got in the habit of running through the Deepwater Gorge Reserve every morning. On one of those mornings, Abby stumbled upon a hurt and almost unconscious young girl at a remote bushland campground. The girl needed medical help so Abby called for an ambulance and went to the road to help it find the spot. When Abby returned minutes later, the girl was nowhere to be found. Did she imagine it? The girl reminded Abby so much of herself at that age and to the other girls who had disappeared all those years ago. Although a man had been charged with those horrific murders and was in jail Abby wondered if the wrong man had been charged with that crime.
Abby, still haunted by the discovery of the young girl and her disappearance, approached her editor at the newspaper and asked permission to write a story about it. Her editor laughed at her and told her in no uncertain terms that that would be a terrible idea. Unwilling to let it go, Abby persisted to give reason after reason for wanting to write the article. Finally, her editor made a deal with her. If Abby agreed to interview a local crime writing author and get a really "juicy" story, she would let Abby write the article she wanted to write.
A few days later, Abby found herself at Ravensong, the new home of author Tom Gabriel. Ravensong was located right on the edge of Deepwater Gorge. In fact, Tom was planning to write about the murders of the young girls that happened all those years ago. Tom was not happy at all to see Abby. The last thing he needed was a meddling journalist in his life at this time. He had had his fill of those types. Tom did not want his name and reputation scandalized and dragged through the mud by a journalist looking for a good story to print. Tom was in a bad way though. He had fallen and was in a cast and on crutches. When Abby arrived at Ravensong, Tom found himself locked out of his house. Tom thought Abby was a healthcare worker at first. He had been trying to manage by himself but quickly saw that it was an uphill battle. Abby made a deal with Tom. If he agreed to give her the interview, she would stay and help him with the domestic chores. There was an undeniable attraction felt by both Tom and Abby right from the start.
One day, weeks later, Abby discovered a hidden room in the attic of Ravensong. Hidden within a child's book, Abby also found a page from a diary that had been ripped out and placed in the book. Tom and Abby stumbled onto something far out of the reach of their vivid imaginations. In the room they discovered a blood soaked pillow and the handwritten page of the diary that dated back to 1949. Two young girls, Frankie and Lilly, had been held captive in that very room. Abby began to wonder if Frankie and Lilly's story could somehow be related to all those missing girls. She was determined to find out. The discovery gave Tom the catalyst to get back to writing his book. Abby became obsessed with trying to find Lilly or Frankie and learn about their story.
Anna Romer told the story Under the Midnight Sky in alternating narratives where each character revealed different perspectives of what had happened all those years ago and what was happening in the present. The diary entries added a personal perspective to what had happened to Frankie and Lilly all those years ago. Her writing and character development was brilliant. The plot was complex and intriguing. There were twists and turns throughout the story. The ending was far from expected. Anna Romer touched on the issues of teen runaways and how it was looked on in the past and present. She portrayed sisterly love, the human desire to help those that needed guidance, romantic love, hope and tragedy. The idea of PTSD was also introduced and was allowed to be seen in a raw and tragic way. The element of surprise was always present.
I truly loved this book! Anna Romer told a beautiful, yet tragic story that should be read by all. I highly recommend Under the Midnight Sky.
Abby Barbot grew up in a small town in Australia with her mother, father and brother. Her mother left when Abby was a young girl and never returned. Abby's father was always prone to having a drink but when her mother left, her dad started drinking even more heavily. Her father was a scientist and involved with the environment. Abby seemed to take an interest in that as well but she opted to become a journalist after she attended university. When Abby was a young girl of twelve her class was going on a trip to the reserve. Her dad refused to let Abby go but Abby went anyways. Unable to find her class, Abby found herself lost in the reserve. She was captured by a someone and put in a dirt cave. Luckily she was able to escape. A few days later, Abby's friend Alice and Abby had planned to skip school and return to that place to find out who had taken Abby and where she was taken. Abby was petrified of going back so she hid and watched Alice go to the reserve by herself. Alice never returned and was never found. The horror of that experience lived in her dreams and waking moments for more than twenty years. Abby always blamed herself for what happened to Alice and she could never shake the fearful feelings about her own experience.
Now twenty years later, Abby found herself back in the same village she grew up in working for a local newspaper. She got in the habit of running through the Deepwater Gorge Reserve every morning. On one of those mornings, Abby stumbled upon a hurt and almost unconscious young girl at a remote bushland campground. The girl needed medical help so Abby called for an ambulance and went to the road to help it find the spot. When Abby returned minutes later, the girl was nowhere to be found. Did she imagine it? The girl reminded Abby so much of herself at that age and to the other girls who had disappeared all those years ago. Although a man had been charged with those horrific murders and was in jail Abby wondered if the wrong man had been charged with that crime.
Abby, still haunted by the discovery of the young girl and her disappearance, approached her editor at the newspaper and asked permission to write a story about it. Her editor laughed at her and told her in no uncertain terms that that would be a terrible idea. Unwilling to let it go, Abby persisted to give reason after reason for wanting to write the article. Finally, her editor made a deal with her. If Abby agreed to interview a local crime writing author and get a really "juicy" story, she would let Abby write the article she wanted to write.
A few days later, Abby found herself at Ravensong, the new home of author Tom Gabriel. Ravensong was located right on the edge of Deepwater Gorge. In fact, Tom was planning to write about the murders of the young girls that happened all those years ago. Tom was not happy at all to see Abby. The last thing he needed was a meddling journalist in his life at this time. He had had his fill of those types. Tom did not want his name and reputation scandalized and dragged through the mud by a journalist looking for a good story to print. Tom was in a bad way though. He had fallen and was in a cast and on crutches. When Abby arrived at Ravensong, Tom found himself locked out of his house. Tom thought Abby was a healthcare worker at first. He had been trying to manage by himself but quickly saw that it was an uphill battle. Abby made a deal with Tom. If he agreed to give her the interview, she would stay and help him with the domestic chores. There was an undeniable attraction felt by both Tom and Abby right from the start.
One day, weeks later, Abby discovered a hidden room in the attic of Ravensong. Hidden within a child's book, Abby also found a page from a diary that had been ripped out and placed in the book. Tom and Abby stumbled onto something far out of the reach of their vivid imaginations. In the room they discovered a blood soaked pillow and the handwritten page of the diary that dated back to 1949. Two young girls, Frankie and Lilly, had been held captive in that very room. Abby began to wonder if Frankie and Lilly's story could somehow be related to all those missing girls. She was determined to find out. The discovery gave Tom the catalyst to get back to writing his book. Abby became obsessed with trying to find Lilly or Frankie and learn about their story.
Anna Romer told the story Under the Midnight Sky in alternating narratives where each character revealed different perspectives of what had happened all those years ago and what was happening in the present. The diary entries added a personal perspective to what had happened to Frankie and Lilly all those years ago. Her writing and character development was brilliant. The plot was complex and intriguing. There were twists and turns throughout the story. The ending was far from expected. Anna Romer touched on the issues of teen runaways and how it was looked on in the past and present. She portrayed sisterly love, the human desire to help those that needed guidance, romantic love, hope and tragedy. The idea of PTSD was also introduced and was allowed to be seen in a raw and tragic way. The element of surprise was always present.
I truly loved this book! Anna Romer told a beautiful, yet tragic story that should be read by all. I highly recommend Under the Midnight Sky.
August 23, 2019
As the cover suggests, Under The Midnight Sky by Australian author Anna Romer is a dark mystery novel set in Australian bushland.
Abby lives in a small township called Gundara and has a dark past. She's a journalist for her local newspaper and is obsessed with the murders that took place in Deepwater Gorge many years ago. Her personal level of involvement in the crimes is the first mystery of the novel.
Reclusive author Tom Gabriel has purchased a ramshackle country manor known as Ravensong, and recently moved to the area to work on his new book. Abby wants to interview Tom for the newspaper and despite his aloof and gruff demeanour, they strike up a friendship of sorts. When Abby discovers a hidden room in an attic at the top of his house, they begin to pool their resources and investigative skills to get to the bottom of several mysteries before them. This includes the case of a current girl who may have gone missing.
Under The Midnight Sky is a mystery novel that could just as easily be called crime or rural crime. The Australian setting and relaxed dialogue made the novel feel instantly relatable.
The alternate time periods (present and 1940s-1950s) were handled well, although I did struggle at first with the numerous character perspectives. We had first person perspective from Abby, first person diary entries from another character and third person perspectives from Tom, Lil and Joe. Not to mention third person perspective from the missing girl and perhaps others I've missed. There was no indication at the beginning of each chapter as to which character we were with and I really had to concentrate to follow the plot threads.
Under The Midnight Sky is a dark mystery full of secrets, family trauma, sibling love, burgeoning love, obsessive love and enduring love. Themes of memory and family are also explored with a significant reveal at the end. The slow burn romance that developed between two characters started off well, until he called her 'hon' which made me cringe.
Under The Midnight Sky was an engrossing read but is losing a star because two bodies weren't re-homed/re-buried at the end.
* Copy courtesy of Simon & Schuster *
Abby lives in a small township called Gundara and has a dark past. She's a journalist for her local newspaper and is obsessed with the murders that took place in Deepwater Gorge many years ago. Her personal level of involvement in the crimes is the first mystery of the novel.
Reclusive author Tom Gabriel has purchased a ramshackle country manor known as Ravensong, and recently moved to the area to work on his new book. Abby wants to interview Tom for the newspaper and despite his aloof and gruff demeanour, they strike up a friendship of sorts. When Abby discovers a hidden room in an attic at the top of his house, they begin to pool their resources and investigative skills to get to the bottom of several mysteries before them. This includes the case of a current girl who may have gone missing.
Under The Midnight Sky is a mystery novel that could just as easily be called crime or rural crime. The Australian setting and relaxed dialogue made the novel feel instantly relatable.
The alternate time periods (present and 1940s-1950s) were handled well, although I did struggle at first with the numerous character perspectives. We had first person perspective from Abby, first person diary entries from another character and third person perspectives from Tom, Lil and Joe. Not to mention third person perspective from the missing girl and perhaps others I've missed. There was no indication at the beginning of each chapter as to which character we were with and I really had to concentrate to follow the plot threads.
Under The Midnight Sky is a dark mystery full of secrets, family trauma, sibling love, burgeoning love, obsessive love and enduring love. Themes of memory and family are also explored with a significant reveal at the end. The slow burn romance that developed between two characters started off well, until he called her 'hon' which made me cringe.
Under The Midnight Sky was an engrossing read but is losing a star because two bodies weren't re-homed/re-buried at the end.
* Copy courtesy of Simon & Schuster *
March 30, 2019
‘The night sky faded into dawn as I ran along the deserted road.’
In the present, Abby Bardot is concerned for an injured teenager she found at a campground but who disappeared before an ambulance arrived. The girl looks similar to the victims of three brutal murders which happened twenty years earlier in the same remote area, near the small town of Gundara. Abby is haunted by her own traumatic memories as well. Could the killer be free? Abby, now a reporter for the Gundara Express, wants to write a feature about the area’s dark history. The newspaper’s editor is reluctant, but says she’ll consider it if Abby writes a feature article about the reclusive crime writer, Tom Gabriel, who has just moved into Ravensong, a remote property near the edge of Deepwater Gorge.
‘What better place to write about the murders than a remote old house that overlooked the wilderness where they had occurred?’
Abby drives out to Ravensong and while Tom is reluctant at first, an accident means that he needs Abby’s help. The story moves between the present, where Abby discovers a hidden attic room in Tom’s house with evidence of imprisonment, and the past where two sisters were abducted in 1948.
Can there be a connection between the two abducted girls, the three murdered girls, Abby’s memories and the missing teenager? Abby and Tom both have issues of their own to deal with, and Abby’s editor makes an awkward situation even more difficult. But Abby is convinced that the injured teenager she saw is missing and is determined to make sense of the flashbacks she is experiencing.
‘Anything is possible if you want it badly enough.’
I picked this novel up and couldn’t put it down. I wanted to know what happened to the two abducted sisters, who the murderer was and whether the missing girl would be found alive. There are long-held secrets to uncover and plenty of twists before the end of the story. I liked the way in which Ms Romer pulled the threads together: the history of the house, the mystery of the abducted sisters, a diary entry for 1949 found in the hidden room and Abby’s experiences. I’ve read all four of Ms Romer’s novels, and while I’ve enjoyed each of them, this is the best yet!
Note: My thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster (Australia) for providing me with a free electronic copy of this book for review purposes.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
In the present, Abby Bardot is concerned for an injured teenager she found at a campground but who disappeared before an ambulance arrived. The girl looks similar to the victims of three brutal murders which happened twenty years earlier in the same remote area, near the small town of Gundara. Abby is haunted by her own traumatic memories as well. Could the killer be free? Abby, now a reporter for the Gundara Express, wants to write a feature about the area’s dark history. The newspaper’s editor is reluctant, but says she’ll consider it if Abby writes a feature article about the reclusive crime writer, Tom Gabriel, who has just moved into Ravensong, a remote property near the edge of Deepwater Gorge.
‘What better place to write about the murders than a remote old house that overlooked the wilderness where they had occurred?’
Abby drives out to Ravensong and while Tom is reluctant at first, an accident means that he needs Abby’s help. The story moves between the present, where Abby discovers a hidden attic room in Tom’s house with evidence of imprisonment, and the past where two sisters were abducted in 1948.
Can there be a connection between the two abducted girls, the three murdered girls, Abby’s memories and the missing teenager? Abby and Tom both have issues of their own to deal with, and Abby’s editor makes an awkward situation even more difficult. But Abby is convinced that the injured teenager she saw is missing and is determined to make sense of the flashbacks she is experiencing.
‘Anything is possible if you want it badly enough.’
I picked this novel up and couldn’t put it down. I wanted to know what happened to the two abducted sisters, who the murderer was and whether the missing girl would be found alive. There are long-held secrets to uncover and plenty of twists before the end of the story. I liked the way in which Ms Romer pulled the threads together: the history of the house, the mystery of the abducted sisters, a diary entry for 1949 found in the hidden room and Abby’s experiences. I’ve read all four of Ms Romer’s novels, and while I’ve enjoyed each of them, this is the best yet!
Note: My thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster (Australia) for providing me with a free electronic copy of this book for review purposes.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
July 2, 2019
This book got off to a bit of a slow start but it soon had me hooked. Abby is a journalist sent to interview a reclusive author, Tom Gabriel. Because of an incapacitating injury Tom is forced to accept assistance from Abby having found himself barely coping with day to day life in exchange for the interview.
They soon discover that the house he has moved into has a secret, dark past that is somehow linked to a current missing child. The story slowly unravels as the past is revealed.
I was kept guessing pretty much to the end and blew through a lot of theories on the who, what, when and why. A great novel set in the rural Australia.
They soon discover that the house he has moved into has a secret, dark past that is somehow linked to a current missing child. The story slowly unravels as the past is revealed.
I was kept guessing pretty much to the end and blew through a lot of theories on the who, what, when and why. A great novel set in the rural Australia.
May 7, 2019
Haunting!
My View
I really enjoyed this darker, haunting, contemporary read from this author who never disappoints. On the surface this is a gritty mystery, dig a little deeper and you will find it is a contemporary exploration of the cycle of violence/trauma and how it can affect the individual and generations. I loved how this theme was discussed via the dual time line incidents; mysteries in both generations.
Typical of Anna Romer there is her trade mark use of old documents (in this case a diary), an old building with a gothic charm - with secrets of its own, mystery and a little romance. I thoroughly enjoyed this read and I hope you will too.
My View
I really enjoyed this darker, haunting, contemporary read from this author who never disappoints. On the surface this is a gritty mystery, dig a little deeper and you will find it is a contemporary exploration of the cycle of violence/trauma and how it can affect the individual and generations. I loved how this theme was discussed via the dual time line incidents; mysteries in both generations.
Typical of Anna Romer there is her trade mark use of old documents (in this case a diary), an old building with a gothic charm - with secrets of its own, mystery and a little romance. I thoroughly enjoyed this read and I hope you will too.
October 4, 2019
*https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com
Anna Romer is the bestselling author of Thornwood House and Lyrebird Hill and she also happens to be my favourite Australian novelist. Romer’s novels seem to go from strength to strength and with each new release she is able to extend herself. In Under the Midnight Sky, Romer dazzles the audience with her tale of mystery, romance, history and age old secrets.
My reader love affair with Anna Romer definitely hasn’t waned, and after reading Under the Midnight Sky I am more in love with her writing than ever! This was a solid five star read all the way for me. Under the Midnight Sky is another magnificent gothic Australian mystery, with a bush flavour. Think Picnic at Hanging Rock, but dare I say better! Under the Midnight Sky will have you under its mesmerising spell from the first sentence, through to the final word. As soon as I opened Anna Romer’s fourth novel I was captivated by the swirling atmosphere, it was immersive and intense.
“The night sky faded into dawn as I ran along the deserted road. My breath puffed little clouds in the cool autumn air, though my skin was hot and damp despite the chill. By the time I reached the forest edge on the outskirts of town, the sun crested the horizon and was flooding silvery light over the distant mountains. But as they sky grew lighter, the shadows that swarmed around me under the roadside trees only seemed to darken.”
The wow factor is established very early on in the novel and this continues throughout the unfolding narrative. Anna Romer has complete command of her reader, she steers her ship on a steady route, but at the same time, her course delivers plenty of shifts and jolts. These narrative dips are pleasurable, despite the level of bewilderment at times. Romer’s storyline isn’t basic, it is complex and it comes with an array of perspectives, as well as shifting timeline. This narrative is so rewarding and I urge anyone who has reservations about the book’s style to plough on. Anna Romer is a grand storyteller.
The character observations in Under the Midnight Sky are striking and I was easily drawn into each character, which is due to Romer’s command of her cast. I developed a swift connection to Abby, and I loved her flourishing romance with Tom, the reserved crime writer. Tom was so well drawn and I really looked forward to his sequences in the book.
Under the Midnight Sky is quite the genre concoction for Anna Romer. If I had to pin it down to one set genre, I would classify it as a gothic mystery. However, this book does contain a spectacular dose of romance, which was just to my tastes, along with a solid historical background that foreshadows much of the novel. The device of a diary to recall many of the key features of the book worked incredibly well and it proved to be one of my favourite elements of Under the Midnight Sky. Anna Romer is a skilled manipulator, she feeds little clues, withholds key information in a timely manner and dupes the audience until very late in the piece. I was definitely at Romer’s mercy, but I didn’t mind one bit!
Under the Midnight Sky is an extravaganza, a real Australian showpiece that will lure all kinds of readers in, from the opening to the very close of the book. Anna Romer has yet again reached great heights with her latest novel and Under the Midnight Sky comes with the highest recommendation from this super fan!
Under the Midnight Sky is book #124 of the 2019 Australian Women Writers Challenge
Anna Romer is the bestselling author of Thornwood House and Lyrebird Hill and she also happens to be my favourite Australian novelist. Romer’s novels seem to go from strength to strength and with each new release she is able to extend herself. In Under the Midnight Sky, Romer dazzles the audience with her tale of mystery, romance, history and age old secrets.
My reader love affair with Anna Romer definitely hasn’t waned, and after reading Under the Midnight Sky I am more in love with her writing than ever! This was a solid five star read all the way for me. Under the Midnight Sky is another magnificent gothic Australian mystery, with a bush flavour. Think Picnic at Hanging Rock, but dare I say better! Under the Midnight Sky will have you under its mesmerising spell from the first sentence, through to the final word. As soon as I opened Anna Romer’s fourth novel I was captivated by the swirling atmosphere, it was immersive and intense.
“The night sky faded into dawn as I ran along the deserted road. My breath puffed little clouds in the cool autumn air, though my skin was hot and damp despite the chill. By the time I reached the forest edge on the outskirts of town, the sun crested the horizon and was flooding silvery light over the distant mountains. But as they sky grew lighter, the shadows that swarmed around me under the roadside trees only seemed to darken.”
The wow factor is established very early on in the novel and this continues throughout the unfolding narrative. Anna Romer has complete command of her reader, she steers her ship on a steady route, but at the same time, her course delivers plenty of shifts and jolts. These narrative dips are pleasurable, despite the level of bewilderment at times. Romer’s storyline isn’t basic, it is complex and it comes with an array of perspectives, as well as shifting timeline. This narrative is so rewarding and I urge anyone who has reservations about the book’s style to plough on. Anna Romer is a grand storyteller.
The character observations in Under the Midnight Sky are striking and I was easily drawn into each character, which is due to Romer’s command of her cast. I developed a swift connection to Abby, and I loved her flourishing romance with Tom, the reserved crime writer. Tom was so well drawn and I really looked forward to his sequences in the book.
Under the Midnight Sky is quite the genre concoction for Anna Romer. If I had to pin it down to one set genre, I would classify it as a gothic mystery. However, this book does contain a spectacular dose of romance, which was just to my tastes, along with a solid historical background that foreshadows much of the novel. The device of a diary to recall many of the key features of the book worked incredibly well and it proved to be one of my favourite elements of Under the Midnight Sky. Anna Romer is a skilled manipulator, she feeds little clues, withholds key information in a timely manner and dupes the audience until very late in the piece. I was definitely at Romer’s mercy, but I didn’t mind one bit!
Under the Midnight Sky is an extravaganza, a real Australian showpiece that will lure all kinds of readers in, from the opening to the very close of the book. Anna Romer has yet again reached great heights with her latest novel and Under the Midnight Sky comes with the highest recommendation from this super fan!
Under the Midnight Sky is book #124 of the 2019 Australian Women Writers Challenge
April 25, 2019
‘Memories came so vividly. Why was that? They should fade with age, grow ever more distant. Instead, there were times –like now –when they assaulted her with a jumble of sights and sounds and smells. Crushed eucalypt leaves. The eerie whispers and crackles of the forest at night. The sigh of water racing in the gorge. And her sister’s weight in her arms. The sticky heat of blood on her hands.’
It’s as though every new novel from Anna Romer sets a whole new standard for Australian fiction. I don’t know how she does it, topping perfection over and over. Under the Midnight Sky is a novel that I was enthralled by, from start to finish. Fortunately, I was trapped in a car on a 10 hour journey, so there was little reason for me to put the novel down. This is truly gripping crime fiction, with gothic echoes, a slow burning connection between two of the main characters, and a mystery that ripples through generations, staining a town’s reputation. The plotting is masterful, the character development strong and steady. There’s a twist in this novel that I never anticipated, but it made such perfect sense once all was revealed. A chillingly atmospheric read that led to a pit of dread lodging itself within me for the duration. Highly recommended, and will no doubt make my top reads list at the end of the year.
‘Leaning back in his chair, he looked at the ceiling. Saw, in his mind’s eye, the hidden room with its barred window and bloodstained sheets. The two young sisters caged together there for five years. Faded little songbirds forgotten by the world.’
~~~
‘Pinching the bridge of my nose, I tried to summon the words to describe what I was feeling. The way my throat closed up from the stale mustiness, the way my pulse began to fly at the sight of the shadow-infested corners. The way my spirit shrank inside me like a walnut withering in its shell.’
Thanks is extended to Simon & Schuster Australia via NetGalley for providing me with a copy of Under The Midnight Sky for review.
It’s as though every new novel from Anna Romer sets a whole new standard for Australian fiction. I don’t know how she does it, topping perfection over and over. Under the Midnight Sky is a novel that I was enthralled by, from start to finish. Fortunately, I was trapped in a car on a 10 hour journey, so there was little reason for me to put the novel down. This is truly gripping crime fiction, with gothic echoes, a slow burning connection between two of the main characters, and a mystery that ripples through generations, staining a town’s reputation. The plotting is masterful, the character development strong and steady. There’s a twist in this novel that I never anticipated, but it made such perfect sense once all was revealed. A chillingly atmospheric read that led to a pit of dread lodging itself within me for the duration. Highly recommended, and will no doubt make my top reads list at the end of the year.
‘Leaning back in his chair, he looked at the ceiling. Saw, in his mind’s eye, the hidden room with its barred window and bloodstained sheets. The two young sisters caged together there for five years. Faded little songbirds forgotten by the world.’
~~~
‘Pinching the bridge of my nose, I tried to summon the words to describe what I was feeling. The way my throat closed up from the stale mustiness, the way my pulse began to fly at the sight of the shadow-infested corners. The way my spirit shrank inside me like a walnut withering in its shell.’
Thanks is extended to Simon & Schuster Australia via NetGalley for providing me with a copy of Under The Midnight Sky for review.
March 21, 2019
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, this author is the best! If you have never read an Anna Romer novel than you’re really missing out. There’s just the smallest hint of a sinister element to her stories, and I’m always kept on the edge of my seat wondering what’s going to happen next. Some of my favourite parts are the historical scenes, where she slips back in time. I am so proud of my sister and I enjoy and admire her imagination and amazing writing style. I know I am not alone when I say she always manages to pull at the heart strings! Her stories are breathtakingly beautiful and to read them early before they are even published is always a thrill, although I am looking forward to reading her next novel straight from the bookshops (but I’ve said that before).
March 25, 2019
Loved this book, a great read and a book I just couldn't put down. Thank you Better Reading & Simon & Schuster.
An abduction of two young girls in 1948, bodies found in bushland years later, an old property called Ravensong, a journalist, novelist and a missing girl. All this entwined in this riveting novel by Anna Romer.
From start to finish you want to keep reading as the story of the lives of so many unfold into a story of abduction, death, friendship and even love. Abby the local country journalist has flashbacks to a time when she was younger. She is still trying to piece them together so others will believe her story.
Tom Gabriel, novelist and recluse, buys an old property called Ravensong so he can write his next best-selling novel. He has problems of his own but when the lives of these two characters come together they uncover a story like no other.
All the way through the book your mind changes, who did it, what happened and will the full story ever be told. The story follows two paths, that of two young girls in 1948 and the story of Abby. I kept reading, entranced and wanting to know, what happened to Abby and those two girls in 1948 and who was found in those shallow graves!
Anna Romer
Under the Midnight Sky
An abduction of two young girls in 1948, bodies found in bushland years later, an old property called Ravensong, a journalist, novelist and a missing girl. All this entwined in this riveting novel by Anna Romer.
From start to finish you want to keep reading as the story of the lives of so many unfold into a story of abduction, death, friendship and even love. Abby the local country journalist has flashbacks to a time when she was younger. She is still trying to piece them together so others will believe her story.
Tom Gabriel, novelist and recluse, buys an old property called Ravensong so he can write his next best-selling novel. He has problems of his own but when the lives of these two characters come together they uncover a story like no other.
All the way through the book your mind changes, who did it, what happened and will the full story ever be told. The story follows two paths, that of two young girls in 1948 and the story of Abby. I kept reading, entranced and wanting to know, what happened to Abby and those two girls in 1948 and who was found in those shallow graves!
Anna Romer
Under the Midnight Sky
February 24, 2019
I got to read this as a better reading review book. I really liked lots of it. I love that it was an Australian book, set in very familiar terrain. The difference time lines were so easy to navigate. I really like Abby from the start. Indeed, all of the characters were well formed. They were all friends, I love Joe. The plot so isn’t my type of book. I don’t like murders. I really don’t like whodunnits. But it was so easy to read, the violence wasn’t graphic it was just there. And the love story took the edge off :) The language was so lovely to read. I really enjoyed it!
September 5, 2023
Second read and not previously reviewed.
I loved this book, a mystery, secrets, trauma and a small town and gorge at the centre along with a lovely burgeoning romance, highly recommend
I loved this book, a mystery, secrets, trauma and a small town and gorge at the centre along with a lovely burgeoning romance, highly recommend
June 8, 2019
I really loved this book. I listened to it on audio and really loved the creepy parts......
May 7, 2020
There were parts in this book that were spine-tinglingly terrifying. I was on the edge of my seat, especially as I live close to a remote forest area, but like all of Anna Romer's books, I loved it immensely. The unexpected ending was like an epic and memorable road trip. I really want to read more books by this brilliant author, hurry up and write another one Anna Romer!
May 7, 2019
Wow what a fabulous read, for some reason I’ve been putting off reading this book despite loving Anna Romer’s other books. I’m so glad I finally managed to read it. With its mysterious and darkly atmospheric cover, it completely sets the scene for the secrets that are going to be uncovered. This is a mystery, a thriller, a love story, a story about family, forgiveness, trauma and letting the past go and getting on with life.
Talk about twists and turns. I did have my suspicions about one of the mysteries, but some of the events leading up to the reveals were unexpected. The characters were well written and relatable, thankfully, despite not having been through the traumatic experiences that Abby and Lilly had been through I was still able to put myself in their shoes, not that I’d want to.
Abby has been through a traumatic experience as a child which has continued to haunt her and has laid the foundations for how she lives her life, never trusting people, unable to forgive herself for anything or believe others will truly love her.
I loved Tom, the surly hermit-like author who Abby goes to interview and ends up with far more than she ever expected. Meeting Tom was the catalyst for all the changes and truths that come about during the course of the story.
A mystery that is uncovered in Tom’s house and possible links to the past lead Abby to meet Lilly and Joe and learn a lot about secrets and the tricks the mind can play.
Through diary entries we slowly glean information about the events that Lilly survived, and the things that happened in the past. But you’ll have to wait until the end to uncover everything.
I completely disliked Abby’s editor Kendra and her thoughts on who and what kind of people deserve our attention, compassion and help made my blood boil. It is the marginalised people who most need these things from us.
This was a 5⭐ read and one I have no trouble recommending.
Thanks to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster Australia for a digital copy of this novel in return for an honest review.
Talk about twists and turns. I did have my suspicions about one of the mysteries, but some of the events leading up to the reveals were unexpected. The characters were well written and relatable, thankfully, despite not having been through the traumatic experiences that Abby and Lilly had been through I was still able to put myself in their shoes, not that I’d want to.
Abby has been through a traumatic experience as a child which has continued to haunt her and has laid the foundations for how she lives her life, never trusting people, unable to forgive herself for anything or believe others will truly love her.
I loved Tom, the surly hermit-like author who Abby goes to interview and ends up with far more than she ever expected. Meeting Tom was the catalyst for all the changes and truths that come about during the course of the story.
A mystery that is uncovered in Tom’s house and possible links to the past lead Abby to meet Lilly and Joe and learn a lot about secrets and the tricks the mind can play.
Through diary entries we slowly glean information about the events that Lilly survived, and the things that happened in the past. But you’ll have to wait until the end to uncover everything.
I completely disliked Abby’s editor Kendra and her thoughts on who and what kind of people deserve our attention, compassion and help made my blood boil. It is the marginalised people who most need these things from us.
This was a 5⭐ read and one I have no trouble recommending.
Thanks to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster Australia for a digital copy of this novel in return for an honest review.
May 15, 2019
To be perfectly honest, I was disappointed in this. I’ve loved Anna Romer’s past novels, all what I like to call “gothic-tinged mysteries” – stories that deal with old houses and family secrets – and I was beyond excited to see Under the Midnight Sky at my local bookshop. But the book just didn’t work for me.
For a start, I think the characterisation of Abby, the protagonist, resulted in me gritting my teeth a lot. She seemed more like a Plucky Heroine that existed in her ‘Damaged But Still Superior to Everyone’ bubble that came across as a bit obsessive. It didn’t help that she’s thrown into a romance with a ‘Damaged, Brooding Man’ that’s largely adversarial and then a whole lot of mutual, soppy pining – to the point where their pining gets in the way of advancing the plot. I mean, if you’re working on a mystery you’ve become obsessed with, you’re not going to go “oh I’m too busy swooning over this hunky man to read this article he sent me that has information about this mystery”, are you? Yet Abby does.
The mysteries at the centre of this novel are compelling, but they were vaguely delivered so it was really difficult to get a grasp on what had happened. I also felt that the setting became lost somewhat – I rarely felt that the town of Gundara came alive or had a personality of its own, and the locations were sometimes introduced with a detailed description before quickly becoming reduced to their location/purpose.
For a start, I think the characterisation of Abby, the protagonist, resulted in me gritting my teeth a lot. She seemed more like a Plucky Heroine that existed in her ‘Damaged But Still Superior to Everyone’ bubble that came across as a bit obsessive. It didn’t help that she’s thrown into a romance with a ‘Damaged, Brooding Man’ that’s largely adversarial and then a whole lot of mutual, soppy pining – to the point where their pining gets in the way of advancing the plot. I mean, if you’re working on a mystery you’ve become obsessed with, you’re not going to go “oh I’m too busy swooning over this hunky man to read this article he sent me that has information about this mystery”, are you? Yet Abby does.
The mysteries at the centre of this novel are compelling, but they were vaguely delivered so it was really difficult to get a grasp on what had happened. I also felt that the setting became lost somewhat – I rarely felt that the town of Gundara came alive or had a personality of its own, and the locations were sometimes introduced with a detailed description before quickly becoming reduced to their location/purpose.
May 2, 2019
Readers often hypothesise the outcomes of a story, guess the twist, and if it’s well written, read with bated breath as the reveal unfolds. Such was the effect of this book - and boy did I get it wrong!
With a blend of 1st and 3rd person POV, and gentle swings from past to present, this story has different feel to its telling and is both eerie and hopeful at the same time.*
I could have done without the romance, I know that it plays a significant part to the love, trust, and forgiveness themes that are central to the story, but I just didn’t feel the chemistry between the two main characters, and to be perfectly honest, it felt forced so as to have some lighter content to balance out the darker undertones of the main plot.
Under the Midnight Sky may not be your typical action packed suspense thriller, but don’t let that fool you. This tortoise-paced mystery is quite the emotional rollercoaster, and one that I think will stay with me for some time.
*hovering between 3 and 4, so calling it 3.5.
With a blend of 1st and 3rd person POV, and gentle swings from past to present, this story has different feel to its telling and is both eerie and hopeful at the same time.*
I could have done without the romance, I know that it plays a significant part to the love, trust, and forgiveness themes that are central to the story, but I just didn’t feel the chemistry between the two main characters, and to be perfectly honest, it felt forced so as to have some lighter content to balance out the darker undertones of the main plot.
Under the Midnight Sky may not be your typical action packed suspense thriller, but don’t let that fool you. This tortoise-paced mystery is quite the emotional rollercoaster, and one that I think will stay with me for some time.
*hovering between 3 and 4, so calling it 3.5.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 25, 2019
This and other reviews can be found at justonemorechapter.com
If there was a book I would give more than 5 stars to this would be it. It might sound like a cliche but it's so true when I say, like a fine wine that mellows with age, enhancing the taste and experience, Anna Romer gets better with each book. Of all her books this I think is my favorite, but then I look at her previous and remember each and how yummy they all were.
While I wanted to rush through to see what was going on I also wanted to take my time and enjoy the scenery and exquisite writing. I was right there in the Australian outback, the desolate wilderness, keeper so many secrets.
I'll admit to being a sucker when it comes to old abandoned buildings and their ghosts, Ravensong was both eerie and intriguing while at the same time beautiful. I cringed when Abby would go for a walkabout, even knowing no one was around for many a mile, the author had my mind on high alert for possible dangers. When memories refuse to leave Abby alone and events present themselves she has no choice but to dig deep even if it means facing her past.
Under the Midnight Sky is a captivating read of guilt, family, and relationships. It's a shining example of why Anna Romer is a go-to author for me and will gladly pay a little extra to order. It used to be I could only get her books directly from an Australian book shop but I was thrilled to see this one available at BookDepository. Her books are also available in audio format from Audible.
If there was a book I would give more than 5 stars to this would be it. It might sound like a cliche but it's so true when I say, like a fine wine that mellows with age, enhancing the taste and experience, Anna Romer gets better with each book. Of all her books this I think is my favorite, but then I look at her previous and remember each and how yummy they all were.
While I wanted to rush through to see what was going on I also wanted to take my time and enjoy the scenery and exquisite writing. I was right there in the Australian outback, the desolate wilderness, keeper so many secrets.
I'll admit to being a sucker when it comes to old abandoned buildings and their ghosts, Ravensong was both eerie and intriguing while at the same time beautiful. I cringed when Abby would go for a walkabout, even knowing no one was around for many a mile, the author had my mind on high alert for possible dangers. When memories refuse to leave Abby alone and events present themselves she has no choice but to dig deep even if it means facing her past.
Under the Midnight Sky is a captivating read of guilt, family, and relationships. It's a shining example of why Anna Romer is a go-to author for me and will gladly pay a little extra to order. It used to be I could only get her books directly from an Australian book shop but I was thrilled to see this one available at BookDepository. Her books are also available in audio format from Audible.
June 9, 2019
What a good read. Anna’s storytelling continues to improve with each book. You can read her books in an afternoon - she just has a way of making you turn the pages. She writes well, keeps you interested and engaged. She doesn’t “do” fancy - she’s not part of the literary brigade - she just keeps it real, with no fuss writing (aka Writing that doesn’t make your brain ache as you read it!) I enjoyed the story and the mystery of this one, I liked her characters and of course her leading lady. If you’re looking for a good Australian book then check this one out at your library or local bookseller.
June 8, 2019
Anna has a way of description that brings the reader into the story - I started to read and didn't want to put book down. I recommend Anna's book to anyone who wants a feel good book
June 20, 2019
Under The Midnight Sky is the latest book from acclaimed Aussie author, Anna Romer. Beyond The Orchard is the only book I have read previously and Under The Midnight Sky has piqued my interest now in her first two novels, Thornwood House and Lyrebird Hill. Romer’s newest offering immediately got my attention with its stunning cover of a beautiful night sky and a woman looking at a nearby, rural house. I knew from the cover that it would be a dark read and at its heart, Under The Midnight Sky is a crime novel that explores why crimes are committed. Like any good novel, it also delves into problems that are relevant to any time; PTSD, the past, moving on, learning to love again and old age.
Romer uses the point of view of three protagonists through alternating chapters to investigate the different issues. The first woman I meet was Abby, going for a run. Abby was a journalist who wanted to write about the history of Gundara. Gundara was a woodland area that is haunted by a horrific history. Romer vividly describes the smells, sounds and sights of this isolated place, bringing shivers to my spine. When Abby came across the body of a young girl, she immediately feels a sense of déjà vu as her own childhood was not perfect. Abby leaves the girl to get help but she returned, the girl is gone. From that moment on, Abby was unable to let go of her bad vibes.
Abby’s crusade to find out who the girl in the woods was, leads her to Tom and Lil. Tom is a crime writer who recently moved into a house with its own potted history. The pair quickly make a connection but Tom has his own demons to conquer. Befriending Tom helps Abby to discover the house’s past, bringing her into the life of the elderly, Lil. Lil appears to be a sweet, little old lady but the more I read, the more I knew that something was not quite right. Even so I could never have guessed the connection between the protagonists. When the connection was brought to life, it made me appreciate Lil’s husband all the more for standing by his wife.
The last protagonist is an unknown girl. The less said the better because then nothing will be spoiled! Initially, I found three protagonists confusing. Once I worked out that Abby’s story is in the first person, Lil’s and the unknown girls, the third, it was easy to follow the different threads.
Watching the threads come together lead to a surprising yet realistic conclusion that was unlike anything I have read before.
Under The Midnight Sky is a must read for fans of Australian crime fiction who are looking for something unique.
Thanks to Beauty and Lace for a chance to review this book.
Romer uses the point of view of three protagonists through alternating chapters to investigate the different issues. The first woman I meet was Abby, going for a run. Abby was a journalist who wanted to write about the history of Gundara. Gundara was a woodland area that is haunted by a horrific history. Romer vividly describes the smells, sounds and sights of this isolated place, bringing shivers to my spine. When Abby came across the body of a young girl, she immediately feels a sense of déjà vu as her own childhood was not perfect. Abby leaves the girl to get help but she returned, the girl is gone. From that moment on, Abby was unable to let go of her bad vibes.
Abby’s crusade to find out who the girl in the woods was, leads her to Tom and Lil. Tom is a crime writer who recently moved into a house with its own potted history. The pair quickly make a connection but Tom has his own demons to conquer. Befriending Tom helps Abby to discover the house’s past, bringing her into the life of the elderly, Lil. Lil appears to be a sweet, little old lady but the more I read, the more I knew that something was not quite right. Even so I could never have guessed the connection between the protagonists. When the connection was brought to life, it made me appreciate Lil’s husband all the more for standing by his wife.
The last protagonist is an unknown girl. The less said the better because then nothing will be spoiled! Initially, I found three protagonists confusing. Once I worked out that Abby’s story is in the first person, Lil’s and the unknown girls, the third, it was easy to follow the different threads.
Watching the threads come together lead to a surprising yet realistic conclusion that was unlike anything I have read before.
Under The Midnight Sky is a must read for fans of Australian crime fiction who are looking for something unique.
Thanks to Beauty and Lace for a chance to review this book.
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