Hallie’s brother, Pete, was always an adventurer, but everyone was shocked when he disappeared on Mount Mercy, in Tasmania’s remote wilderness, two years ago. That is, everyone but the locals, who believe Mount Mercy to be dangerous – ‘the mountain takes things’ they say. In addition there is an isolated survivalist camp up there, and the residents are not welcoming. After a disastrous attempt to find him, the search was called off.
Now Hallie’s mother has died, and her dying wish is for her Hallie and her sister, Gertie, who have been estranged for years, to come together, find their brother and bring him back home. The girls could not be more different. Hallie is a member of the State Emergency Service, focused, disciplined and prepared. Gertie is more of a free spirit, rootless and carefree – she comes on their adventure wearing a skirt and Ugg boots. Their brother was last seen at the survivalist camp, so they aim for that, finding on arrival people are indeed not welcoming, but allow them to stay when Hellie offers cash. The residents perform odd rituals to keep away a sinister presence. But it is when Gertie also goes missing, that Hallie must face not only the mountain and whatever is out there, but her own demons too.
This tale has many layers as well as being genuinely creepy. It is an excellent addition to Australia’s great Bush Noir genre, with a dash of survivalism and sibling conflict thrown in for good measure.
Reviewed by Lesley West
Read our review of The Rip by Holly Craig here.
Read our review of The Shallows by Holly Craig here.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Holly Craig lives on the Western Australian coast. She spent her childhood on boats and on Rottnest Island, inspiring her second novel The Rip, and her debut #1 bestselling novel, The Shallows. She is also the author of the Audible Original Mayday. The beach and river were her playground and have shaped the settings in her stories. Holly is an English teacher and now teaches adults how to write their novels, preparing their manuscripts for publication through The Write Club.
Visit Holly Craig’s website here.
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