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I can't believe that this book was such a disappointment for me. Most reviews I have seen have been very enthusiastic, and I am in a minority here. My low ratings should not deter prospective readers. The Exiles failed to engage me personally, but many others loved it. I found that it was slow-paced and lacked the energy and suspense I found in her previous thrillers. Jane Harper has been a favourite writer since her first book, The Dry. Whenever I receive a new book by her, it immediately goes to the top of the books I am reading, and I set everything else aside. I am shocked that I found this dull and boring in places.

I listened to the audiobook version of Exiles. I found it slow and tedious, and with so many characters introduced, it could become confusing. It took an effort to keep the cast members straight. Because of the audio format, it was challenging to go back to refresh my memory about a character's place in the story. Maybe I would feel different with another format where I could backtrack to refresh my memory and underline or take notes, but very annoying when this becomes necessary. It became a trial sorting out the prominent cast members, remembering their backstories, their family relationships and friendships with others, their recollections from a year ago, and their marriage or divorce status.

There are two mysteries for Aaron Falk to try to solve, but the book seemed more of a domestic/family drama and romance than a suspenseful thriller. This was a slow burn that picked up momentum toward the book's conclusion. I thought the narration of the audiobook was well done. I wish to thank NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for a chance to listen to the latest book by Jane Harper. The publication date will be January 31, 2023.