Exiles

A Novel

By: Jane Harper

Narrated by: Stephen Shanahan

FROM NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AND AWARD-WINNING AUTHOR JANE HARPER COMES EXILES, A CAPTIVATING MYSTERY ABOUT A MISSING MOTHER

"Stephen Shanahan portrays Aaron Falk, who is in South Australia's wine country to attend his godson's christening. The dialogue and narrative flow naturally, infused with believable emotions that underscore Shanahan's grasp of the author's style."—AudioFile

“Once again Harper proves that she is peerless in creating an avalanche of suspense with intimate, character-driven set pieces...Harper’s legions of fans will exult in reading Exiles.”—David Baldacci, #1 New York Times bestselling author

"Harper’s fine prose and narrator Stephen Shanahan’s expert delivery combine for a transcendent Australian noir experience."—AudioFile on The Dry (Earphones Award Winner)

Federal Investigator Aaron Falk is on his way to a small town deep in Southern Australian wine country for the christening of an old friend's baby. But mystery follows him, even on vacation.

This weekend marks the one-year anniversary of Kim Gillespie's disappearance. One year ago, at a busy town festival on a warm spring night, Kim safely tucked her sleeping baby into her stroller, then vanished into the crowd. No one has seen her since. When Kim's older daughter makes a plea for anyone with information about her missing mom to come forward, Falk and his old buddy Raco can't leave the case alone.

As Falk soaks up life in the lush valley, he is welcomed into the tight-knit circle of Kim’s friends and loved ones. But the group may be more fractured than it seems. Between Falk’s closest friend, the missing mother, and a woman he’s drawn to, dark questions linger as long-ago truths begin to emerge. What would make a mother abandon her child? What happened to Kim Gillespie?

A Macmillan Audio production from Flatiron Books.

©2023 Jane Harper (P)2023 Macmillan Audio

Critic reviews

“Once again Harper proves that she is peerless in creating an avalanche of suspense with intimate, character-driven set pieces that are as exquisitely engineered as the inner workings of a Steinway. Harper’s legions of fans will exult in reading Exiles.”—David Baldacci, #1 New York Times bestselling author

“Another all-consuming mystery from Harper...Fans will relish Falk’s intuitive “spider sense” moments here, and they will be amazed at the simultaneously shocking and tender ending.”—Booklist, starred review

“With this book, Harper may well have given her legions of readers exactly what they have been waiting for: a beautifully observed crime novel about regional life featuring the reticent and endearing federal policeman, Aaron Falk...Quietly and inevitably, the secrets and deceptions are unraveled as Falk finds himself deftly woven into the weft of this small community. In Exiles, Falk may at last have come home.”—Sydney Morning Herald

Loved it!

Can’t wait for the next book in the series! For me the “mystery” is tangential to the characters, setting, and relationships. Still the resolution was classic Kane Harper!

Somewhat overdone

Like a beautiful piece of filet mignon that was left too long on the fire…….

Love Jane Harper!

I bought this book on the first day it was available and it did not disappoint. The characters are believable and well drawn and the action is well plotted. The narrator is great. I was sad to get to the end . . . actually put off listening to the last bit to make it last longer.

Loved it!

Loved the story, the reader and everything else about it. Had a hard time putting it down.

Engrossed the whole time

Jane Harper is a fantastic writer. A tense conversation can feel as thrilling as a shootout. And Steve Shanahan is the perfect narrator for her prose.

Exiles is more than just a mystery. It's a novel about the messiness of families; the cost of keeping secrets; drifting away from friends as you age; learning to forgive yourself.

This feels like the true sequel to The Dry. (Force of Nature could have been a standalone mystery; Aaron Falk just happened to take the case.) Harper brings back Greg Raico, and this time we're on his turf, among his extended family. Falk and Raico are great characters and I hope their story will continue.