A body of a young female is found hidden in the Wimmera by a young rock-climber, Skye. All fingers point to a farmer: one who is callous, violent and a loner.

Further investigations show this may not be his only victim. But something is off. The victim had injuries consistent with a rock-climbing accident but was found 5 km from any cliffs. Absolutely nothing could be linked to the farmer even though the early investigation shows the victim had answered his advertisement for work.

As they continue to investigate, evidence piles up: CCTV images, lies uncovered.Although, as much evidence as they have, no links can be made to a person.

The police request Skye to assist them in their investigation which gives her a thrill. But now it looks like one murder is turning into multiple murders with no clear suspect in sight. The team become increasingly frustrated until a chance conversation back in the city. Troubling thoughts grow into terrible suspicions and drastic action is needed to find the killer. A perfect future is about to be shattered.

I confess, as a non rock-climber, I did, at times, find the jargon and the explanations slowed the fast-moving pace of the narrative a little for me, but it did not detract from an enjoyable read.

The Crag is a good read and one I enjoyed for its unusual setting, and the fact that there was not one but two strong female characters that were both necessary for the plot to unwind, encompassing the multiple subplots and misleading turns, ultimately leading to an unexpected ending for one of our heroes.

Reviewed by Alison Logie