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  • Today, "The Shadows of Adelaide Hills" by Kate Morton published on April 25, 2023 by Charleston Editions.

Holly Goli, blogger and contributor to the 20 Minutes Books reading group, recommends "The Shadows of Adelaide Hills" by Kate Morton, published on April 25, 2023 by Charleston Publishing.

His favorite quote:

[...] Home was a feeling, the feeling of being complete.

Why this book?

  • Because Kate Morton is one of the most read authors around the world. Translated in 38 countries, it has carved out a place for itself in contemporary literature.
  • Because this novel is a return to the roots. Indeed, during the pandemic, she returned to Australia and that's where the idea for this novel was born. During the reading, we feel all the love of the author for her country and her desire to make us discover it.
  • Because this novel perfectly mixes double temporality. Between the past in the 1950s and the present, we are served. In addition, Kate Morton has chosen to mix two genres: family secrets and the policeman. Indeed, in the 1950s, a murder was committed and in the present, we follow Jess, the heroine, who by searching in the house of her childhood, finds a link with the murder of the 1950s. It's well dosed.
  • Because writing is very addictive. I had a hard time letting go of the novel before I knew the end. It's really very fair, with just enough suspense and emotions to vibrate on each page.

The essentials in 2 minutes

The plot. 1959: macabre discovery at the Turners' home and it will shake the whole small town of Tumbeela. Today, Jess returns to Australia to be with her grandmother Nora. As she walks around the house, she discovers a secret that connects her family to the terrible murder of 1959.

The characters. Jess, his mother Polly and his grandmother Nora. But we also have the Turner family in the 1950s and the inhabitants of the city.

Places. The novel is set in Australia although at the beginning of the novel, Jess is in England.

The time. The story takes place both in 1959 and both in the present day.

The author. Kate Morton was born in Australia, in the mountains of Queensland. She studied drama and English literature, particularly nineteenth-century tragedies and Gothic novels. Recognized as a major international author, she has been translated in 38 countries.

This book was read with happiness! It is a masterful novel brilliantly mixing family secrets, investigation and suspense. An excellent page-turner that also pays tribute to the author's native country. The characters are just as captivating as far as the story is concerned... So addictive that I ask for more. A must read!

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