5 Stars
Listening Time: 10 Hours, 15 Minutes
Narrator: Barrie Kreinik
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Release Date: April 1, 2025
Genre: Fiction, Historical Fiction, Sci Fi, Fantasy, Australia, Family Relationships, Women’s Fiction
1999, Jess was an art student and a loner. Her art teacher recognizes her talent and makes her feel special. Her life takes an unexpected turn, and she withdraws even further into herself.
2019, Lucy is betrayed by a male student. She wakes up to his screams while she is trying to strangle him. She flees but the only place she thinks to go is to her sister, Jess’ place at Comber Bay. She begins a long journey. She wants to be a journalist and is drawn to true crime. Now she is not sure she will be able to finish her education. Along the way, she listens to a podcast on the disappearances of eight men in the Comber Bay area. While Lucy waits for Jess to return, she finds a diary which uncovers secrets of Jess’ life.
1800, Mary and Eliza are on a boat exiled from Ireland to New South Wales. They are convicted of attacking a man. They are just two women on a prison immigration ship carrying women to resettle in Australia. Many women were bought for various reasons including sex work.
The narrator brings the characters to life each with their own voice. The characters are developed, the story has a steady pace, and it is in the third person point of view except for the diary entries. If you like family drama with a mix of historical fiction, you may enjoy listening to this audiobook.
