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Detective Emmett Corban #2
The Girl Remains
A chilling police thriller set in a small coastal town on the Mornington Peninsula, where the discovery of human bones on an isolated beach has reawakened a twenty-year-old cold case…
On the evening of September 22, 1998, three teenage girls venture out for a night of mischief in the coastal town of Blairgowrie. But only two return . . .
For over twenty years the disappearance of fifteen-year-old Cecilia May remains a baffling cold case - until human bones are discovered on an isolated beach.
Now it’s up to Detective Emmett Corban and his team to dig up decades of trauma, and find the missing piece of an investigation that’s as complex as it is tragic.
Does the answer lie with the only suspect, a registered sex offender who confessed, then immediately provided a rock-solid alibi? Or with the two teen survivors – neither of whom can keep their story straight?
But the police aren’t the only ones hunting for the truth: someone else has arrived in the seaside town. And she’s prepared to do whatever it takes to find her own version of justice…
On the evening of September 22, 1998, three teenage girls venture out for a night of mischief in the coastal town of Blairgowrie. But only two return . . .
For over twenty years the disappearance of fifteen-year-old Cecilia May remains a baffling cold case - until human bones are discovered on an isolated beach.
Now it’s up to Detective Emmett Corban and his team to dig up decades of trauma, and find the missing piece of an investigation that’s as complex as it is tragic.
Does the answer lie with the only suspect, a registered sex offender who confessed, then immediately provided a rock-solid alibi? Or with the two teen survivors – neither of whom can keep their story straight?
But the police aren’t the only ones hunting for the truth: someone else has arrived in the seaside town. And she’s prepared to do whatever it takes to find her own version of justice…
368 pages, Paperback
Published May 4, 2021
14 people are currently reading
518 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews
May 15, 2021
Did you enjoy Sticks and Stones by Katherine Firkin? Then you are going o love The Girl Remains. But if you haven’t read Sticks and Stones never fear, this can be read as a stand alone novel.
There is so much that I love about this book. It is a crime thriller, police procedural and written by an Australian. The writing is fantastic, you really get a feel for the setting of the Mornington Peninsula in Victoria, it is like you are there. And Katherine’s characters are so real and believable. All the ingredients you want in a great read and I devoured it in a day.
This time we meet up with Detective Emmett Corban, now working on the cold case team. When human remains are discovered on a beach on the coast, Emmett and h s team are sent to investigate. Could it finally be Cecilia May, the 15 year old girl who never made it home after a night out with her friends back in September 1998? Why have the bones appeared now, where have they been all this time and what happened to her? Do her friends know more that they told police in the original investigation? Could the new girl in town have the answers?
It is a fast paced, page turner that deserves to be as well received as Sticks and Stones. Crime lovers, this is one for you. Thank you so much to Penguin Australia for sending me an advanced copy to read. Out in Australia May 4th.
There is so much that I love about this book. It is a crime thriller, police procedural and written by an Australian. The writing is fantastic, you really get a feel for the setting of the Mornington Peninsula in Victoria, it is like you are there. And Katherine’s characters are so real and believable. All the ingredients you want in a great read and I devoured it in a day.
This time we meet up with Detective Emmett Corban, now working on the cold case team. When human remains are discovered on a beach on the coast, Emmett and h s team are sent to investigate. Could it finally be Cecilia May, the 15 year old girl who never made it home after a night out with her friends back in September 1998? Why have the bones appeared now, where have they been all this time and what happened to her? Do her friends know more that they told police in the original investigation? Could the new girl in town have the answers?
It is a fast paced, page turner that deserves to be as well received as Sticks and Stones. Crime lovers, this is one for you. Thank you so much to Penguin Australia for sending me an advanced copy to read. Out in Australia May 4th.
March 24, 2021
Thanks to everyone who reads The Girl Remains and leaves a review.
I hope you enjoy!
I hope you enjoy!
January 5, 2023
In a small coastal town on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula remains are found on a beach and a 20 year old cold case, one that had haunted the locals, is suddenly open again. That case was the disappearance of a teenage girl (Cecilia) after a night out with two friends (Scarlett and Gypsy aka Gina). It’s very likely that these remains are of that girl.
Heading up the case is Detective Emmett Corban, first introduced to us in Katherine Firkin’s debut, Sticks and Stones. The case has its challenges with original statements to be pored over, evidence to be re-examined and witnesses to be interviewed again. Old wounds are bound to be reopened and, somewhere a murderer who has escaped detection for decades, is hiding in plain sight.
The investigation quickly establishes the previous prime suspect, Warren Turton, a local who is a known child sexual predator. While he initially makes a great place to start, there’s definitely a feeling that singling him out as the doer is far too obvious and, to be honest, it felt as though too much focus was placed on him by the police. It smacked of lazy police work to me.
Luckily, things moved on and, through the work of a much-maligned new recruit to the case, further evidence begins to trickle in to point them in other possible directions. This is where we start to get into the various side-stories of each of the locals related to the case.
The deeper character development in the story comes as we get to know each of these peripheral characters. Let’s call them all potential suspects. From Scarlett and Gypsy to Warren, Scarlett’s father and the local priest (now deceased) there are a lot of half-truths and out and out lies out there that have muddied up the waters. They are all gradually brought to the surface and revealed to give us a clearer picture of what actually took place 20 years earlier.
It’s just a matter of determining which bits are germane to the investigation and which are the sneaky ole red herrings.
This is an intriguing Australian small-town police procedural mystery that draws together an array of seemingly disparate pieces to create a strong story. Although I had read the first Emmett Corban book my memory of it is extremely hazy so I treated this as a standalone novel and it stood up very well as such.
Heading up the case is Detective Emmett Corban, first introduced to us in Katherine Firkin’s debut, Sticks and Stones. The case has its challenges with original statements to be pored over, evidence to be re-examined and witnesses to be interviewed again. Old wounds are bound to be reopened and, somewhere a murderer who has escaped detection for decades, is hiding in plain sight.
The investigation quickly establishes the previous prime suspect, Warren Turton, a local who is a known child sexual predator. While he initially makes a great place to start, there’s definitely a feeling that singling him out as the doer is far too obvious and, to be honest, it felt as though too much focus was placed on him by the police. It smacked of lazy police work to me.
Luckily, things moved on and, through the work of a much-maligned new recruit to the case, further evidence begins to trickle in to point them in other possible directions. This is where we start to get into the various side-stories of each of the locals related to the case.
The deeper character development in the story comes as we get to know each of these peripheral characters. Let’s call them all potential suspects. From Scarlett and Gypsy to Warren, Scarlett’s father and the local priest (now deceased) there are a lot of half-truths and out and out lies out there that have muddied up the waters. They are all gradually brought to the surface and revealed to give us a clearer picture of what actually took place 20 years earlier.
It’s just a matter of determining which bits are germane to the investigation and which are the sneaky ole red herrings.
This is an intriguing Australian small-town police procedural mystery that draws together an array of seemingly disparate pieces to create a strong story. Although I had read the first Emmett Corban book my memory of it is extremely hazy so I treated this as a standalone novel and it stood up very well as such.
October 27, 2021
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**4.5 stars**
The Girl Remains by Katherine Firkin. (2021).
(Detective Emmett Corban; #2)
In 1998 in a coastal town, 3 teenage girls ventured out. Only 2 returned. For over 20 years, the disappearance of Cecilia remained a baffling cold case - until remains are discovered. Detective Emmett and his team need to dig through decades of trauma and find the missing pieces of a complex investigation. Does the answer lie with the only suspect, Warren, a registered sex offender who confessed and then came up with an alibi? Or with the two girls who were with Cecilia that night and can't keep their stories straight? And now there's a mysterious woman also hunting for the truth, and she's prepared to do whatever it takes to find her own version of justice...
I thought this author's debut novel was fantastic, and now her second novel has well and truly cemented her place in Australian crime fiction. This one is, dare I say it, even better than the first; I would recommend reading 'Sticks and Stones' before this one just so you have the back history of certain characters, but you could definitely read it as a standalone. In this one we have a cold case being investigated by Emmett; a teenage girl who disappeared into thin air. With red herrings and twists abound, every time you think you know what's going on some new information arises and you are plunged back into the confusion of wondering what exactly happened to Cecilia. It's a suspense filled read that will keep you guessing from start to finish. I really look forward to future books in the series.
Overall: I highly recommend this Australian thriller for any fans of crime fiction.
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**4.5 stars**
The Girl Remains by Katherine Firkin. (2021).
(Detective Emmett Corban; #2)
In 1998 in a coastal town, 3 teenage girls ventured out. Only 2 returned. For over 20 years, the disappearance of Cecilia remained a baffling cold case - until remains are discovered. Detective Emmett and his team need to dig through decades of trauma and find the missing pieces of a complex investigation. Does the answer lie with the only suspect, Warren, a registered sex offender who confessed and then came up with an alibi? Or with the two girls who were with Cecilia that night and can't keep their stories straight? And now there's a mysterious woman also hunting for the truth, and she's prepared to do whatever it takes to find her own version of justice...
I thought this author's debut novel was fantastic, and now her second novel has well and truly cemented her place in Australian crime fiction. This one is, dare I say it, even better than the first; I would recommend reading 'Sticks and Stones' before this one just so you have the back history of certain characters, but you could definitely read it as a standalone. In this one we have a cold case being investigated by Emmett; a teenage girl who disappeared into thin air. With red herrings and twists abound, every time you think you know what's going on some new information arises and you are plunged back into the confusion of wondering what exactly happened to Cecilia. It's a suspense filled read that will keep you guessing from start to finish. I really look forward to future books in the series.
Overall: I highly recommend this Australian thriller for any fans of crime fiction.
May 18, 2021
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Katherine Firkin entered the Australian crime fiction scene last year with her debut release, Sticks and Stones. This novel was well received across media outlets and the book blogging world. It is a shame that I am yet to get to it, but I did give Firkin’s follow up release, The Girl Remains a go and I’m glad I took a chance on this fantastic writer. The Girl Remains is a well-timed police procedural with plenty of plot diversions and red herrings. It kept me gripped from start to finish.
Travelling back in time to over twenty years earlier, The Girl Remains follows the perplexing case of a missing teenager, who never returned after a night out with her two friends. The case has remained unsolved, but the discovery of human remains on a beach two decades later could help to end this long-standing investigation. With the help of Detective Emmett Corban and his support staff, the reopening of this tragic case from the past ignites more questions than answers. A number of possible suspects emerge, from the girls who accompanied the victim that night, to a known sex offender. But could the perpetrator be someone who has managed to fly under the radar? A story of dark truths, lies, secrets, retribution and understanding, The Girl Remains is police procedural tale that cuts deep.
I am always on the hunt for more Australian crime fiction titles, it is definitely one of my favourite genres. Katherine Firkin is a new face to me personally, but I was made aware of this talented author’s impact in the Australian crime fiction scene mid last year. After reading The Girl Remains, I feel that Katherine Firkin has really made her mark on the Australian crime fiction scene with this novel.
The precision and level of authenticity in relation to the police investigation side of things is this novel’s strong point. I found the police work to be very plausible and highly interesting. I couldn’t pick what was happening so I have to hand it to Firkin, she is an astute author. The Girl Remains is carried along by the strong influence of Detective Emmett Corban. I enjoyed my time with this detective and the team supporting him. I think Firkin was able to maintain a good balance between the investigation and the lives of the cast. I appreciated the level of doubt that runs right through this tale. The mystery level was also set to a high decibel. The Girl Remains is one tense read!
Firkin uses her setting base of the Mornington Peninsula to her advantage. From the first page we are fully immersed in the shady, dark, mysterious and chilling backdrop of this perplexing case. This small coastal location is vividly described by the author, so the reader feels as if they are a fixed part of the surroundings. I certainly felt a rush of cool air as I held this novel in my hands. My final word on The Girl Remains is the author’s handiwork in terms of the overall content of her novel. Firkin’s background in dealing with real life homicide cases from her previous career as a journalist and crime reporter informs this novel very well. There was a sense of intuition and understanding in relation to the police aspects of this fictional case that seemed to ring true, it did send a few shivers down my spine.
If unsolved crimes and cold case investigations fill you with interest, I would definitely recommend The Girl Remains. This is a rattling novel from an author on the rise.
*I wish to thank Penguin Books Australia for providing me with a free copy of this book for review purposes.
The Girl Remains is book #42 of the 2021 Australian Women Writers Challenge
Katherine Firkin entered the Australian crime fiction scene last year with her debut release, Sticks and Stones. This novel was well received across media outlets and the book blogging world. It is a shame that I am yet to get to it, but I did give Firkin’s follow up release, The Girl Remains a go and I’m glad I took a chance on this fantastic writer. The Girl Remains is a well-timed police procedural with plenty of plot diversions and red herrings. It kept me gripped from start to finish.
Travelling back in time to over twenty years earlier, The Girl Remains follows the perplexing case of a missing teenager, who never returned after a night out with her two friends. The case has remained unsolved, but the discovery of human remains on a beach two decades later could help to end this long-standing investigation. With the help of Detective Emmett Corban and his support staff, the reopening of this tragic case from the past ignites more questions than answers. A number of possible suspects emerge, from the girls who accompanied the victim that night, to a known sex offender. But could the perpetrator be someone who has managed to fly under the radar? A story of dark truths, lies, secrets, retribution and understanding, The Girl Remains is police procedural tale that cuts deep.
I am always on the hunt for more Australian crime fiction titles, it is definitely one of my favourite genres. Katherine Firkin is a new face to me personally, but I was made aware of this talented author’s impact in the Australian crime fiction scene mid last year. After reading The Girl Remains, I feel that Katherine Firkin has really made her mark on the Australian crime fiction scene with this novel.
The precision and level of authenticity in relation to the police investigation side of things is this novel’s strong point. I found the police work to be very plausible and highly interesting. I couldn’t pick what was happening so I have to hand it to Firkin, she is an astute author. The Girl Remains is carried along by the strong influence of Detective Emmett Corban. I enjoyed my time with this detective and the team supporting him. I think Firkin was able to maintain a good balance between the investigation and the lives of the cast. I appreciated the level of doubt that runs right through this tale. The mystery level was also set to a high decibel. The Girl Remains is one tense read!
Firkin uses her setting base of the Mornington Peninsula to her advantage. From the first page we are fully immersed in the shady, dark, mysterious and chilling backdrop of this perplexing case. This small coastal location is vividly described by the author, so the reader feels as if they are a fixed part of the surroundings. I certainly felt a rush of cool air as I held this novel in my hands. My final word on The Girl Remains is the author’s handiwork in terms of the overall content of her novel. Firkin’s background in dealing with real life homicide cases from her previous career as a journalist and crime reporter informs this novel very well. There was a sense of intuition and understanding in relation to the police aspects of this fictional case that seemed to ring true, it did send a few shivers down my spine.
If unsolved crimes and cold case investigations fill you with interest, I would definitely recommend The Girl Remains. This is a rattling novel from an author on the rise.
*I wish to thank Penguin Books Australia for providing me with a free copy of this book for review purposes.
The Girl Remains is book #42 of the 2021 Australian Women Writers Challenge
May 30, 2021
The Girl Remains is the second crime fiction novel to feature Detective Emmett Corban from Katherine Firkin, following her debut novel Stick’s and Stones (2020).
When human bones are discovered on a beach in Victoria’s Mornington Peninsular, hopes are raised that they will reveal the fate of fifteen year old Cecilia May who vanished from the small coastal town of Blairgowrie two decades earlier after she’d become separated from her two best friends during a late night walk. Detective Leading Senior Constable Emmett Corban is tasked with re-investigating the crime, sifting through old evidence while searching for new leads. The local community are certain the girl’s killer has already been identified - a neighbour with a previous charge of child sexual assault, but Emmett soon suspects that Cecilia’s friend’s have yet to tell the whole truth about the night Cecilia missing.
Firkin creates an intriguing, complex plot with this cold case murder of a teenage girl at its centre. Though Emmett agrees Warren Turton is the main suspect, and is under some pressure to wrap up the case quickly, he and his team must still do their due diligence. As the police begin to discover new information the focus of Emmett’s investigation subtly begins to shift and more potential suspects enter the frame. I thought the murder mystery was well crafted and comfortably challenging to piece together.
While the investigation moves forward, the reader is given insight into the thoughts and behaviours of some of the case’s key players including Cecelia’s friends, Scarlett and Gina aka Gypsy, Scarlett’s father, the wife of the local priest, and an enigmatic young drifter whose interest in the town, and Cecilia’s case in particular, seems oddly intense. Firkin manages the large cast quite well, and the additional perspectives provide tantalising pieces of information, adding depth to the storyline.
Emmett’s wife, Cindy, also becomes tangentially involved in the case as she continues to pursue photography as a career. There is still some tension between the couple after the events in Firkin’s debut, and it spikes again when her desire for an exclusive threatens to interfere with Emmett’s investigation.
A confident sequel to Sticks and Stones, though it can be read as a stand alone, The Girl Remains is a clever and absorbing crime novel.
When human bones are discovered on a beach in Victoria’s Mornington Peninsular, hopes are raised that they will reveal the fate of fifteen year old Cecilia May who vanished from the small coastal town of Blairgowrie two decades earlier after she’d become separated from her two best friends during a late night walk. Detective Leading Senior Constable Emmett Corban is tasked with re-investigating the crime, sifting through old evidence while searching for new leads. The local community are certain the girl’s killer has already been identified - a neighbour with a previous charge of child sexual assault, but Emmett soon suspects that Cecilia’s friend’s have yet to tell the whole truth about the night Cecilia missing.
Firkin creates an intriguing, complex plot with this cold case murder of a teenage girl at its centre. Though Emmett agrees Warren Turton is the main suspect, and is under some pressure to wrap up the case quickly, he and his team must still do their due diligence. As the police begin to discover new information the focus of Emmett’s investigation subtly begins to shift and more potential suspects enter the frame. I thought the murder mystery was well crafted and comfortably challenging to piece together.
While the investigation moves forward, the reader is given insight into the thoughts and behaviours of some of the case’s key players including Cecelia’s friends, Scarlett and Gina aka Gypsy, Scarlett’s father, the wife of the local priest, and an enigmatic young drifter whose interest in the town, and Cecilia’s case in particular, seems oddly intense. Firkin manages the large cast quite well, and the additional perspectives provide tantalising pieces of information, adding depth to the storyline.
Emmett’s wife, Cindy, also becomes tangentially involved in the case as she continues to pursue photography as a career. There is still some tension between the couple after the events in Firkin’s debut, and it spikes again when her desire for an exclusive threatens to interfere with Emmett’s investigation.
A confident sequel to Sticks and Stones, though it can be read as a stand alone, The Girl Remains is a clever and absorbing crime novel.
December 18, 2021
Awful. I didn’t feel like the characters had any depth. The detectives don’t feel like experienced investigators and seem very soft in their questioning and treatment of suspects. The new person doesn’t fit with his work colleagues and is given no back story to explain. He has a Vietnamese name and uses a “toffee accent” - that’s difficult to interpret as a reader. I don’t understand who he is. It feels like they don’t like him at first meeting. Is it casual racism? The young constable is naive and breaks basic ethics too many times. The lead detective kisses his partner on a stakeout? None of these people are believable. The bad guy is obvious. Holes in the plot are never addressed.
May 11, 2021
There's nothing better than reading a book set in your home town! Even if it is a terribly chilling mystery read that makes you now look twice at the mysterious landscape that surrounds the Peninsula.
The Girl Remains was a really gripping read. Even with lots of different characters and points of view, each character was really well-developed, interesting, and brought something new and necessary to the story. Loved it!
- Read by Celeste
The Girl Remains was a really gripping read. Even with lots of different characters and points of view, each character was really well-developed, interesting, and brought something new and necessary to the story. Loved it!
- Read by Celeste
April 21, 2021
Thank you Penguin for sending us a copy to read and review.
A murder mystery and an unsolved crime is like a jigsaw, not complete till the full puzzle is pieced together.
Clues and fragments of information are always there but only the astute or trained will pick them up.
Sleuthing and a well plotted story make the crime suspense genre so much fun and fill the reader with anticipation.
Three teenage girls intent on a night of fun and shenanigans in the coastal bushland of Blairgowrie.
Drugs, boys and rituals all on the agenda for their night of debauchery.
Only two return.
The mystery and disappearance creates upheaval, accusations and deceit.
Lives will be made a living hell and somebody in town skulks around knowing the truth.
When the bones are washed up 20 odd years later the past is re lived and a team of detectives identify and try and solve the murder of the teenager Cecilia.
Forensics and astute detectives start to delve into case.
At the same a mysterious young lady has turned up in town and covert factors from the past are uncovered to create the web that will entrap the guilty.
A riveting murder mystery to unravel is always fun and I can say I did guess in this instance.
But it was well plotted.
Lots of motives and few twists and turns I didn’t see coming.
Overall a read that had me engaged and entertained as I worked my way through the case.
An author I will add to my TBR pile.
A murder mystery and an unsolved crime is like a jigsaw, not complete till the full puzzle is pieced together.
Clues and fragments of information are always there but only the astute or trained will pick them up.
Sleuthing and a well plotted story make the crime suspense genre so much fun and fill the reader with anticipation.
Three teenage girls intent on a night of fun and shenanigans in the coastal bushland of Blairgowrie.
Drugs, boys and rituals all on the agenda for their night of debauchery.
Only two return.
The mystery and disappearance creates upheaval, accusations and deceit.
Lives will be made a living hell and somebody in town skulks around knowing the truth.
When the bones are washed up 20 odd years later the past is re lived and a team of detectives identify and try and solve the murder of the teenager Cecilia.
Forensics and astute detectives start to delve into case.
At the same a mysterious young lady has turned up in town and covert factors from the past are uncovered to create the web that will entrap the guilty.
A riveting murder mystery to unravel is always fun and I can say I did guess in this instance.
But it was well plotted.
Lots of motives and few twists and turns I didn’t see coming.
Overall a read that had me engaged and entertained as I worked my way through the case.
An author I will add to my TBR pile.
June 7, 2021
Good read. Enjoyed Sticks and Stones and it was nice to catch up with Emmett and Cindy again. Looking forward to the next instalment!
January 1, 2023
Great thriller set in Blairgowrie! Suspected the killer in the second half 😈
June 5, 2021
I wrote in my review of author's first book, Sticks and Stones, that I hoped it was to be a first book in the series as I was keen to follow up on Detective Emmett Corban's career so I was very excited to hear about this sequel. Unfortunately, just as I started to read, I hit a massive reading slump and had to set aside the book about 1/3 of the way through. I picked it back up after a few weeks and finished reading it fairly quickly but the damage was already done.
As I said I actually read this quite quickly despite the reading slump in between reading so the story is actually rather gripping and is a page turner. Told from multiple perspectives, Emmett, his wife, his new partner, and a few other persons-of-interest, there was no end to my speculation of what this mystery is. The ending was quite mind boggling and is rather dark, somewhat gothic really; something I didn't expect.
I enjoyed Emmett's camaraderie with one of the detectives though I truly wonder at his objections to his new partner. Granted that his new partner is unlike everyone else but that is exactly why I really like this new character and I hope we'll see a lot more of him (hopefully, there'll be a third book).
Overall, a very enjoyable thrilling read which I would have loved if I read at better time/mood.
My thanks to Penguin Random House for this paperback copy of book in exchange of my honest thoughts
As I said I actually read this quite quickly despite the reading slump in between reading so the story is actually rather gripping and is a page turner. Told from multiple perspectives, Emmett, his wife, his new partner, and a few other persons-of-interest, there was no end to my speculation of what this mystery is. The ending was quite mind boggling and is rather dark, somewhat gothic really; something I didn't expect.
I enjoyed Emmett's camaraderie with one of the detectives though I truly wonder at his objections to his new partner. Granted that his new partner is unlike everyone else but that is exactly why I really like this new character and I hope we'll see a lot more of him (hopefully, there'll be a third book).
Overall, a very enjoyable thrilling read which I would have loved if I read at better time/mood.
My thanks to Penguin Random House for this paperback copy of book in exchange of my honest thoughts
March 25, 2021
I read the first book in this series, Sticks and Stones, and loved it. So I was so excited to find the next installment. It arrived yesterday and I'm already halfway through! So cool to have a cold case this time! I listen to a lot of true crime and cold case podcasts, and reading this is like actually being on the scene (as opposed to hearing about it ex post facto). Loving the ride and totally excited to see how this ends
April 11, 2021
Always a fan of books written about the Mornington Peninsula, this is a compelling crime novel set in Blairgowrie. Full of the expected twists and turns, Katherine is beginning to carve her way as an established crime writer.
June 16, 2021
Thank you to Penguin Australia for sending me a copy of this book to review!
In 1998, three teenage girls venture out one night, but after a mysterious turn of events, only two return home. Twenty years later, human bones are discovered on an isolated beach on the Mornington Peninsula.
It is now up to Detective Corban and his team to re-open the cold case and determine if the remains are those of the missing girl Cecilia, although it seems they have their work cut out for them, as the pieces just don’t really seem to fit together.
As my parents had a holiday house on the Mornington Peninsula and I spent every school holiday there, this was a very familiar setting to me and I feel that the author really captured the area and in particular the much quieter back beaches.
The story was well paced and a great escape into rather interesting crime that took many twists and turns. There were many possible suspects and there were several parts of the storyline that I didn’t see coming.
I do have to say that I found it quite implausible that a police officer would be giving out information on an investigation to random strangers which irked me a tad, but overall I found this to be an absorbing read and was a great diversion away from all of the historical fiction I’ve been reading lately! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
In 1998, three teenage girls venture out one night, but after a mysterious turn of events, only two return home. Twenty years later, human bones are discovered on an isolated beach on the Mornington Peninsula.
It is now up to Detective Corban and his team to re-open the cold case and determine if the remains are those of the missing girl Cecilia, although it seems they have their work cut out for them, as the pieces just don’t really seem to fit together.
As my parents had a holiday house on the Mornington Peninsula and I spent every school holiday there, this was a very familiar setting to me and I feel that the author really captured the area and in particular the much quieter back beaches.
The story was well paced and a great escape into rather interesting crime that took many twists and turns. There were many possible suspects and there were several parts of the storyline that I didn’t see coming.
I do have to say that I found it quite implausible that a police officer would be giving out information on an investigation to random strangers which irked me a tad, but overall I found this to be an absorbing read and was a great diversion away from all of the historical fiction I’ve been reading lately! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
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May 19, 2021This review was first released on the Underground Writers website: http://underground-writers.org/review...
If, like me, you are on a crime and mystery novel binge, The Girl Remains by Katherine Firkin needs to be on your TBR list. Set in a coastal Australian town, the disappearance of fifteen-year-old Cecilia May 20 years ago continues to haunt the little town. Neighbours distrust each other, the happiness of the community becomes duller and duller each year, and the convicted paedophile living on the girl’s street has “guilty” smeared across his forehead…but is all as it seems? Suddenly, several of Cecilia’s bones are discovered on the beach and, as Detective Emmett Corban and his team work to bring Cecilia’s killer to justice, more secrets, suspects, and other mysteries come forward and become mixed into the cold case.
As I read The Girl Remains, I was constantly trying to guess who killed Cecilia, but, like a couple of detectives noted, it seemed too obvious to blame the prime suspect. I definitely do not have the makings of a detective because to me every character in Cecilia’s life could have possibly been the murderer. The guilt many characters internally expressed did not help me when trying to guess who killed Cecilia; however, it made for a thrilling read! Since it was only suspected that Cecilia was dead, reading about her two best friends’ account of traipsing through the bush in the middle of the night before becoming separated was transfixing. As parts of Cecelia’s timeline are pieced together, the fresh, wholesome perception of the teenage girls becomes murkier. Secrets—kept by the girls and other community members from the police, their spouses, and each other—add more and more questions to the mix.
Although the story is well told and the plot keeps a good pace, I found the switching of character perspectives jarring at first. It was initially frustrating to settle into the mind of a character, become accustomed to their world, and then suddenly find yourself reading a completely different character’s perspective. The changing perspectives made the plot difficult to initially follow because the storylines were not connected…at first. Once I settled into the story, I became accustomed to the perspective changes and started attempting to make the connections between the characters. Firkin skilfully builds upon the opening mystery of Cecilia’s discovered body by adding more elements into the plot. The entire novel is not centred solely on Cecilia and therefore does not stumble upon the repetitive issues some crime and mystery novels can to fall into.
Until I finished Firkin’s novel (at 3am, so do NOT start reading before you go to bed!) I did not realise that The Girl Remains is the second book in a series centred on Detective Emmett Corban. As a standalone novel, the book works perfectly; however, I’m sure readers of the first book, Sticks and Stones, might notice links between the two! This novel is perfect for those who love mystery novels and especially those who love to guess who the killer is…I wonder if you’ll figure it out before you reach the end…
If, like me, you are on a crime and mystery novel binge, The Girl Remains by Katherine Firkin needs to be on your TBR list. Set in a coastal Australian town, the disappearance of fifteen-year-old Cecilia May 20 years ago continues to haunt the little town. Neighbours distrust each other, the happiness of the community becomes duller and duller each year, and the convicted paedophile living on the girl’s street has “guilty” smeared across his forehead…but is all as it seems? Suddenly, several of Cecilia’s bones are discovered on the beach and, as Detective Emmett Corban and his team work to bring Cecilia’s killer to justice, more secrets, suspects, and other mysteries come forward and become mixed into the cold case.
As I read The Girl Remains, I was constantly trying to guess who killed Cecilia, but, like a couple of detectives noted, it seemed too obvious to blame the prime suspect. I definitely do not have the makings of a detective because to me every character in Cecilia’s life could have possibly been the murderer. The guilt many characters internally expressed did not help me when trying to guess who killed Cecilia; however, it made for a thrilling read! Since it was only suspected that Cecilia was dead, reading about her two best friends’ account of traipsing through the bush in the middle of the night before becoming separated was transfixing. As parts of Cecelia’s timeline are pieced together, the fresh, wholesome perception of the teenage girls becomes murkier. Secrets—kept by the girls and other community members from the police, their spouses, and each other—add more and more questions to the mix.
Although the story is well told and the plot keeps a good pace, I found the switching of character perspectives jarring at first. It was initially frustrating to settle into the mind of a character, become accustomed to their world, and then suddenly find yourself reading a completely different character’s perspective. The changing perspectives made the plot difficult to initially follow because the storylines were not connected…at first. Once I settled into the story, I became accustomed to the perspective changes and started attempting to make the connections between the characters. Firkin skilfully builds upon the opening mystery of Cecilia’s discovered body by adding more elements into the plot. The entire novel is not centred solely on Cecilia and therefore does not stumble upon the repetitive issues some crime and mystery novels can to fall into.
Until I finished Firkin’s novel (at 3am, so do NOT start reading before you go to bed!) I did not realise that The Girl Remains is the second book in a series centred on Detective Emmett Corban. As a standalone novel, the book works perfectly; however, I’m sure readers of the first book, Sticks and Stones, might notice links between the two! This novel is perfect for those who love mystery novels and especially those who love to guess who the killer is…I wonder if you’ll figure it out before you reach the end…
June 1, 2021
Woohoo a crime novel that isn't like csi! This investigation logically gets solved and the best bit is that I was surprised by the perp!!
May 13, 2021
I really enjoyed Katherine's crime thriller, The Girl Remains. Her description of a place I know so well, was exquisite and her accuracy in Police procedure should be commended. Once again, I didn't pick the killer until the final few chapters. My favourite moment in any crime fiction is the 'Noooooo!' moment when you find out who it is, and Katherine did not disappoint.
August 22, 2021
I love reading a thriller set in Australia. It was beautifully written like her debut novel but unfortunately this one was a little slow for me and I wasn’t a huge fan of the ending.
Rounded up from 3.5 ⭐️
Rounded up from 3.5 ⭐️
May 8, 2021
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Thank you Penguin for this book in exchange for an honest review
I knew that The Girl Remains was a book that I would love after I realised that it was the same author who wrote the wonderful, Sticks and Stones, but when you realise this is the sequel… my heart exploded a little bit!
Crime/thriller books are ones that I generally find hard to enjoy, because more of the time am comparing the books to the likes of Patterson, and generally they don’t compare, but I am a harsh reviewer, what can I say?! However, The Girl Remains was fricken epic.
This crime book is written in Australia and in the best state (Victoria) about Detective Emmett who was working on a cold case until human remains washed up on the beach. Emmett believes the bones belong to a young girl that disappeared in 1998 but why did they suddenly wash up on the beach? As Emmett digs deeper into the investigation, the more troubling this case becomes.
Friken, you are a gem! This was written and one of those books that you devour in one sitting because the rest of the world escapes you!!
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Thank you Penguin for this book in exchange for an honest review
I knew that The Girl Remains was a book that I would love after I realised that it was the same author who wrote the wonderful, Sticks and Stones, but when you realise this is the sequel… my heart exploded a little bit!
Crime/thriller books are ones that I generally find hard to enjoy, because more of the time am comparing the books to the likes of Patterson, and generally they don’t compare, but I am a harsh reviewer, what can I say?! However, The Girl Remains was fricken epic.
This crime book is written in Australia and in the best state (Victoria) about Detective Emmett who was working on a cold case until human remains washed up on the beach. Emmett believes the bones belong to a young girl that disappeared in 1998 but why did they suddenly wash up on the beach? As Emmett digs deeper into the investigation, the more troubling this case becomes.
Friken, you are a gem! This was written and one of those books that you devour in one sitting because the rest of the world escapes you!!
March 25, 2021
OMG! What a great book! I'm sort of new to the reviewing thing, so I'm not sure how much to be saying about the plot and stuff, but what a rivetting read! I was lucky enough to pick up Firkin's first book on a whim and really enjoyed it, but this is even better. There is a really brooding tension from the start of the novel that only builds as the layers of the story are revealed.
Don't want to give anything away, but what's really impressive are both the complexity of the characters and the fabulous sense of place that Firkin creates. I am now following this author and can't wait for her next book.
Don't want to give anything away, but what's really impressive are both the complexity of the characters and the fabulous sense of place that Firkin creates. I am now following this author and can't wait for her next book.
October 4, 2021
The plotting of this novel is excellent: credible, suspenseful and clever. The setting, as with all good crime stories, is atmospheric, and almost a character in the story in its own right. The author has been let down by careless editing however, which is a great pity when you're with a major publisher like Penguin. I started to play word bingo by the end: the repetition of favourite, attention-seeking adjectives and adverbs was distracting enough to keep pulling me out of the speedy momentum of the story...and if Bianca sniggered her dialogue just one more time...
May 15, 2021
Australian author Katherine Firkin introduced readers to Detective Emmett Corban in Sticks and Stones. At the time I expected it would become part of a series and - as always - I was right. (Why doth thou doubt me?! Or something.) It doesn't matter if you missed the first book however as, though I re-read my old review for context, only a few characters are featured here and there's no background required.
I really liked our lead, Emmett in the first novel, here however it was the plot that interested me the most - particularly the events of twenty years earlier which set up an intriguing cold case mystery.
3.5 stars
Read my review here: https://www.debbish.com/books-literat...
I really liked our lead, Emmett in the first novel, here however it was the plot that interested me the most - particularly the events of twenty years earlier which set up an intriguing cold case mystery.
3.5 stars
Read my review here: https://www.debbish.com/books-literat...
December 11, 2022
4.5 stars! I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Katherine did a great job at portraying different characters and telling their stories. Definitely a captivating 'who done it'. Even though I had picked the actual killer, there were other great plot twists and developments that were unrelating to the direct murder- inturn made this book so interesting. Also it was so lovely to read a novel that is set in the surrounds of my own home. Knowing and even visited most of the geographical places mentioned. Would definitely read another one of her books. Thank you!
August 21, 2022
2.5 rounded up
When a child's bones wash up on a beach on the Mornington Peninsula Emmett Corban is tasked with investigating the 20 year old cold case - three teenage girls had gone out one night, but only two had returned.
This was an easy read Australian police procedural with the usual twists and turns however, for me at least, the perpetrator was an easy guess. The constant shifting and multiple points of view took a little time to get into and if I am being honest some of the actions of the characters annoyed me and felt a little unrealistic/pathetic and the writing was at times a bit pedestrian. The second in this series I have read. Would I read the third if one eventuates? That's just a maybe.
When a child's bones wash up on a beach on the Mornington Peninsula Emmett Corban is tasked with investigating the 20 year old cold case - three teenage girls had gone out one night, but only two had returned.
This was an easy read Australian police procedural with the usual twists and turns however, for me at least, the perpetrator was an easy guess. The constant shifting and multiple points of view took a little time to get into and if I am being honest some of the actions of the characters annoyed me and felt a little unrealistic/pathetic and the writing was at times a bit pedestrian. The second in this series I have read. Would I read the third if one eventuates? That's just a maybe.
June 21, 2021
The Girl Remains is a sensational book. This one had me from page 1 and it did not let me go until the end.
Twenty years ago three teenage girls, Cecilia, Scarlett and Gypsy go out one night to muck around with spells and incantations and drink beer. They think they hear someone behind them.
Only Gypsy and Scarlett make it home. Cecilia is missing and never found.
Now, her bones are found near where she was last seen that night.
Warren Turton was arrested over Cecilia's disappearance, he confessed, then was given an alibi. Is he finally going to pay for his crime?
Why is Scarlett so scared that Cecilia's bones have been found? What is Gypsy hiding from all those years ago?
This is a twisty thriller that will have you blaming numerous people for Cecilia's murder. There are so many people that it could have been.
There are great characters in the book, some you will detest, some you will feel sorry for, and some you will love. Det. Emmett Corban is a character that i like alot and look forward to reading more of his stories
The author's first book, Sticks and Stones is now on my TBR.
Twenty years ago three teenage girls, Cecilia, Scarlett and Gypsy go out one night to muck around with spells and incantations and drink beer. They think they hear someone behind them.
Only Gypsy and Scarlett make it home. Cecilia is missing and never found.
Now, her bones are found near where she was last seen that night.
Warren Turton was arrested over Cecilia's disappearance, he confessed, then was given an alibi. Is he finally going to pay for his crime?
Why is Scarlett so scared that Cecilia's bones have been found? What is Gypsy hiding from all those years ago?
This is a twisty thriller that will have you blaming numerous people for Cecilia's murder. There are so many people that it could have been.
There are great characters in the book, some you will detest, some you will feel sorry for, and some you will love. Det. Emmett Corban is a character that i like alot and look forward to reading more of his stories
The author's first book, Sticks and Stones is now on my TBR.
August 26, 2021
I absolutely loved this book. I love reading books set in Australia, particularly thriller and this was no exception. I really liked the characters (Emmet and Bianca) and thought they came across as very real. As for the plot, it kept me guessing the entire time and was very suspenseful. Overall, has to be one of my favourite books this year. I can’t wait to read Katherine Firkin’s other novel!
September 27, 2021
Another good story by this Australian author. Detective Emmett Corban returns to help solve this mysterious death of a young woman that happened years ago. A good read.
September 30, 2021
Great thriller based around my home town on the Mornington Peninsula 💕
March 31, 2024
Great read, highly recommend
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