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“We see what we expect to see.��

4. 25 stars

Exiles is a quiet mystery that centers on two unsolved crimes in a small town in Southern Australia.

While visiting a friend to attend a christening, AFP Officer Aaron Falk finds himself caught up in the case of a woman who went missing a year ago during a town festival and in an unsolved murder from years ago.

Falk is at a crossroads in his life. He works nonstop and, as a result, has lost almost all of his close relationships. However, he now must choose between his career and a chance at finding love.

The narrative is almost all Falk, which I appreciated. I love seeing how he thinks. Not needing to be the center of attention, Falk is an observer. His brain hones on the details that others don’t see. His abilities aren't magical or Sherlockian-- he continuously mulls over the minute details and doesn’t stop.

“The little things you could have done differently, that was the stuff that haunted you.��

As ever, Falk is introspective. With the dynamics of the cases and his romantic life combined with the constant push and pull of memories, including those of his relationship with his father, Harper highlights Falk's vulnerable side.

Bits and pieces from the two previous Falk novels are mentioned. One doesn’t need to read them to read this book--Exiles can be read as a standalone; however, the earlier books add to the layers and dynamics of Falk’s character.

Harper always wows me with her vivid depictions of the settings of her stories, and this book was no exception. She drew me into the Marralee Valley, the reservoir, and the winery-- it all felt real. The spaces hold different meanings in terms of both mysteries, as they are quiet and calm spaces, yet they are the backdrop for sinister events.

The one minor gripe that I have involves two chapters told from the point of view of two additional characters. I wish Harper didn't include them--they explain what happened to one character and add insight into another, but because their chapters come near the very end, they pulled me out of the narrative and disrupted the flow of events.

This novel is as much a mystery as a character study of Falk. The pacing is slow but, at the same time, moves quickly. The mysteries held my interest, and while the reveals weren't all that surprising, Harper's writing elevated both. The ending leaves things open for another Falk novel, which I am crossing my fingers for. I am not ready to say goodbye to his character.

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and Flatiron books in exchange for an honest review.