In the Clearing by JP Pomare

☆☆☆☆
ebook, 256 pages
Expected publication: September 8th 2020 by Mulholland Books
About the Book:
Amy has only ever known what life is like in the Clearing. She knows what's expected of her. She knows what to do to please her elders, and how to make sure life in the community remains happy and calm. That is, until a new young girl joins the group. She isn't fitting in; she doesn't want to stay. What happens next will turn life as Amy knows it on its head. Freya has gone to great lengths to feel like a 'normal person'. In fact, if you saw her go about her day with her young son, you'd think she was an everyday mum. That is, until a young girl goes missing and someone from her past, someone she hasn't seen for a very long time, arrives in town. As Amy and Freya's story intertwines the secrets of the past bubble up to the surface. This rural Aussie town's dark underbelly is about to be exposed and lives will be destroyed.

If you pick up this book you will be hooked from the beginning – like it or not. I have to say this is one of the most disturbing stories I’ve ever read. The content is extremely intense and it's like watching a train wreck, I wanted to stop but really wanted to know what happened. A great thriller with unpredictability and I was mesmerized by the story and how it was told by Freya and Amy. The plot twists and turns splendidly.

Deeply haunting, but very well written with fantastic insight into human behavior. It explores how hope springs from even the worst disaster. The author is very creative and I have not read anything similar, plus that ending! If you are looking for something different, it’s worth a try. You won’t be disappointed.


Thank you NetGalley, JP Pomare and Mulholland Books for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an impartial review; all opinions are my own.

#NetGalley