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This beautifully written mystery transported me to Kiewarra, Australia, a small farming community that is suffering from a drought, and also from being mired in the past.

Aaron Falk, a federal financial police officer, reluctantly returns to Kiewarra to attend the funeral of his former best friend, Luke Hadler. It appears that Luke committed a murder suicide, killing his wife, Karen, and their six-year-old son, Billy, before taking his own life. The community is in shock and speculation abounds. Why would Luke Hadler kill his wife and son? Furthering the mystery is why he left his baby daughter, Charlotte, alive.

Falk plans to spend 24 hours in Kiewarra, but Luke’s parents ask him to investigate the family’s financials, hoping that he can uncover something that can add some insight into Luke’s actions. Falk teams up with the local Sergeant and the two slowly begin to uncover secrets and lies that dredge up the past, including the death of Ellie Deacon, a girl with whom Falk shared a past.

Falk’s relationship with Ellie comes under scrutiny and tensions arise. Not only is Falk’s life put in danger, but also the entire community Kiewarra is put at risk.

I can’t say enough good things about The Dry. The plot is intricately woven, the characters are developed, the writing is engaging, and the mystery is satisfying! I highly recommend!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.