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The Creeper
Victim ... or killer?
For the last decade, the small mountain town of Edenville in Victoria’s high country has been haunted by the horrific murders of five hikers up on Jagged Ridge.
Also found dead near the scene was Bill ‘Creeper’ Durant, a bushland loner, expert deer-hunter, and a man with a known reputation for stalking campers . . .
murder-suicide. Case closed.
But as the ten-year anniversary of the massacre draws near, Detective Constable Sally White – the only officer at Edenville’s modest police station – finds herself drawn into the dark world of the notorious Durant family.
Lex Durant, in particular, has started to publicly protest his brother's innocence and accuse the police of persecution.
As Sally combs the investigation to prove him wrong, it becomes all too clear that each murdered hiker had skeletons in their closet - and possible enemies in their past . . .
For the last decade, the small mountain town of Edenville in Victoria’s high country has been haunted by the horrific murders of five hikers up on Jagged Ridge.
Also found dead near the scene was Bill ‘Creeper’ Durant, a bushland loner, expert deer-hunter, and a man with a known reputation for stalking campers . . .
murder-suicide. Case closed.
But as the ten-year anniversary of the massacre draws near, Detective Constable Sally White – the only officer at Edenville’s modest police station – finds herself drawn into the dark world of the notorious Durant family.
Lex Durant, in particular, has started to publicly protest his brother's innocence and accuse the police of persecution.
As Sally combs the investigation to prove him wrong, it becomes all too clear that each murdered hiker had skeletons in their closet - and possible enemies in their past . . .
343 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 30, 2024
98 people are currently reading
1855 people want to read
About the author
Margaret Hickey
14 books281 followersMargaret Hickey is an award-winning author and playwright from North East Victoria. She has a PhD in Creative Writing and is deeply interested in rural lives and communities. She is the author of Cutters End and Stone Town.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 243 reviews
August 4, 2024
The 10 year old anniversary of the hiker murders is coming up and all eyes are on Edenville, a small town in the Victorian High Country once again. Bill Durrant, known as The Creeper, is dead,case closed many years ago. But Sally White, the police force for the town has questions, and doubts. The more she looks into it, the less she feels that the case was investigated properly.
Margaret Hickey is the master of the location crime story. Her settings are always such a big part of her narrative. She creates such a beautiful backdrop in The Creeper, it makes you want to go hiking! It is isolated and quiet on the mountain, but so much evil has happened there.
Another page turner from a fabulous Australian crime writer. The atmosphere was intense in those chapters from the past, and in the present day, I could feel the anxiety of the situation that Sally found herself in. Who was watching her, why didn’t anybody want her digging into the case? Always hard to put this authors books down, and this may be her best yet.
Massive thanks to Penguin Books Australia for sending me an advanced copy to read. Need to read this books. Out on July 30th.
Margaret Hickey is the master of the location crime story. Her settings are always such a big part of her narrative. She creates such a beautiful backdrop in The Creeper, it makes you want to go hiking! It is isolated and quiet on the mountain, but so much evil has happened there.
Another page turner from a fabulous Australian crime writer. The atmosphere was intense in those chapters from the past, and in the present day, I could feel the anxiety of the situation that Sally found herself in. Who was watching her, why didn’t anybody want her digging into the case? Always hard to put this authors books down, and this may be her best yet.
Massive thanks to Penguin Books Australia for sending me an advanced copy to read. Need to read this books. Out on July 30th.
January 13, 2025
A quick atmospherical read, immersed in Victoria’s high country. A murder suicide case marked close.. should it be? Numerous hikers killed in a massacre, this eerie place which seems to have its own character of itself.
Ten years on, a young vibrant solo cop is tasked with a memorial hike, Sally knows something is not quite right ~ especially when a seedy family lies right at the core. I did enjoy the sense of foreboding as Sally tries to navigate the hike while the sense of fear builds.
Aussie crime thrillers will love this book, tension builds, characters become unmasked as the baddies they are, while others see the errors of their ways and try to help at the very last minute.
It missed the mark for me in a way, I wasn’t captured in excitement as much as I’d like.
With thanks to Better Reading and the author for my review copy.
Ten years on, a young vibrant solo cop is tasked with a memorial hike, Sally knows something is not quite right ~ especially when a seedy family lies right at the core. I did enjoy the sense of foreboding as Sally tries to navigate the hike while the sense of fear builds.
Aussie crime thrillers will love this book, tension builds, characters become unmasked as the baddies they are, while others see the errors of their ways and try to help at the very last minute.
It missed the mark for me in a way, I wasn’t captured in excitement as much as I’d like.
With thanks to Better Reading and the author for my review copy.
April 19, 2025
4.5★ A literal pageturner.
As the 10th anniversary of the shocking Mountain Murders approaches, the murderer's younger brother contacts Senior Constable Sally White. He says he has something to 'tell her' about his notorious brother, nicknamed The Creeper (amongst other names) by the media. Sally is fully aware of the murders that took place on her patch, but she's too young to have any direct connection to the original investigation. Unlike her boyfriend, Jim, who at the age of 19 became the man of the hour when he literally carried the sole survivor down the mountain to safety. He doesn't like to talk about it now, but when Sally agrees to meet with Lex Durant at the remote family property, Jim is only too happy to ride along as a kind of safety net for Sally. The meeting goes without incident and also without any earth-shattering revelations, but something Lex said about police harrassment gets under Sally's skin and, with her boss's grudging agreement, she begins to look into the case.
There's just so much going on in this story, but rather than overwhelming this reader, it all meshed together to keep me turning page after page. The mystery is satisfying (and thrilling), the locale is bewitching and Sally is a great character with a lot of promise if this was to evolve into a series. There were just a couple of small threads that didn't seem to lead anywhere, which is why I've held off on the full five stars.
This was my first read from Margaret Hickey, so now I'm keen to dive into her DS Mark Ariti series.
As the 10th anniversary of the shocking Mountain Murders approaches, the murderer's younger brother contacts Senior Constable Sally White. He says he has something to 'tell her' about his notorious brother, nicknamed The Creeper (amongst other names) by the media. Sally is fully aware of the murders that took place on her patch, but she's too young to have any direct connection to the original investigation. Unlike her boyfriend, Jim, who at the age of 19 became the man of the hour when he literally carried the sole survivor down the mountain to safety. He doesn't like to talk about it now, but when Sally agrees to meet with Lex Durant at the remote family property, Jim is only too happy to ride along as a kind of safety net for Sally. The meeting goes without incident and also without any earth-shattering revelations, but something Lex said about police harrassment gets under Sally's skin and, with her boss's grudging agreement, she begins to look into the case.
There's just so much going on in this story, but rather than overwhelming this reader, it all meshed together to keep me turning page after page. The mystery is satisfying (and thrilling), the locale is bewitching and Sally is a great character with a lot of promise if this was to evolve into a series. There were just a couple of small threads that didn't seem to lead anywhere, which is why I've held off on the full five stars.
This was my first read from Margaret Hickey, so now I'm keen to dive into her DS Mark Ariti series.
August 1, 2024
It is ten years since the murder of five hikers up on Jagged Ridge on the mountain above the small town of Edenville in Victoria’s high country, murder suicide they said when the body of Bill “The Creeper” Durant is found at the scene, open closed case, but with the anniversary looming and a new young cop Sally White in town she is doing some digging on complaints she has received from Lex Durant, Bill’s brother and what she uncovers will have you turning the pages.
Sally is the only cop in the small town and her boyfriend Jim Brear is a park ranger and happens to be the hero who carried the only survivor, Laura down the hill ten years ago, he doesn’t talk about it much, and with Laura coming back to town with a film crew and organizing a vigil, Sally is determined to find answers to the accusations Lex is making about Bill and past discrimination to his family from the police at the time.
Is there a link between the victims it seems the more digging Sally does that there may be but she appears to be putting herself in danger with all of her inquiries and when her boss, who happened to be one of the first officers on the mountain ten years ago suggests that Sally take the family members up to Jagged Ridge for the vigil, Sally must go but will they come back down the hill alive? Will history repeat itself? Is the Creeper dead?
This is such a great story one that I highly recommend to any lovers of a good atmospheric thriller, with twists that had my head turning every which way, MS Hickey has bought the characters to life as well the suspense and the atmosphere on the mountain, I felt every movement up there as Sally finally uncovers what happened ten years ago, this is one not to be missed, I do hope that we see more of Sally in the future.
My thanks to Penguin Books AU for my copy to read and review.
Sally is the only cop in the small town and her boyfriend Jim Brear is a park ranger and happens to be the hero who carried the only survivor, Laura down the hill ten years ago, he doesn’t talk about it much, and with Laura coming back to town with a film crew and organizing a vigil, Sally is determined to find answers to the accusations Lex is making about Bill and past discrimination to his family from the police at the time.
Is there a link between the victims it seems the more digging Sally does that there may be but she appears to be putting herself in danger with all of her inquiries and when her boss, who happened to be one of the first officers on the mountain ten years ago suggests that Sally take the family members up to Jagged Ridge for the vigil, Sally must go but will they come back down the hill alive? Will history repeat itself? Is the Creeper dead?
This is such a great story one that I highly recommend to any lovers of a good atmospheric thriller, with twists that had my head turning every which way, MS Hickey has bought the characters to life as well the suspense and the atmosphere on the mountain, I felt every movement up there as Sally finally uncovers what happened ten years ago, this is one not to be missed, I do hope that we see more of Sally in the future.
My thanks to Penguin Books AU for my copy to read and review.
July 31, 2024
⭐️4.5 Stars⭐️
You had me at the title! The Creeper by Margaret Hickey is an atmospheric and bone-chilling tale that had me fully intrigued.
Edenville in Victoria’s high country is famous for the horrific massacre of five hikers and a local man up on Jagged Ridge. The case was closed as a murder-suicide and as the ten-year anniversary of that event nears young Detective Constable Sally White is drawn into the case when the murderer’s brother Lex Durrant claims his brother Bill was innocent. Bill was known to stalk campers.
Senior Constable Sally White is the only officer in Edenville and she is enjoying the responsibility of her new job, I really liked her character. Sally enters into some research of her own and the mystery of the massacre unravels.
I loved the creepy setting in the beautiful Victorian high country. The plot keeps you guessing and I couldn’t wait for the reveal. The pacing really propels in the last third of the book and I was hooked! An excellent Australian crime mystery with a few surprise twists. I look forward to checking out this authors backlist.
Publication Date 30 July 2024
Publisher Bantam
Thank you so much to the lovely team at Penguin Books Australia for a copy of the book 🙏
You had me at the title! The Creeper by Margaret Hickey is an atmospheric and bone-chilling tale that had me fully intrigued.
Edenville in Victoria’s high country is famous for the horrific massacre of five hikers and a local man up on Jagged Ridge. The case was closed as a murder-suicide and as the ten-year anniversary of that event nears young Detective Constable Sally White is drawn into the case when the murderer’s brother Lex Durrant claims his brother Bill was innocent. Bill was known to stalk campers.
Senior Constable Sally White is the only officer in Edenville and she is enjoying the responsibility of her new job, I really liked her character. Sally enters into some research of her own and the mystery of the massacre unravels.
I loved the creepy setting in the beautiful Victorian high country. The plot keeps you guessing and I couldn’t wait for the reveal. The pacing really propels in the last third of the book and I was hooked! An excellent Australian crime mystery with a few surprise twists. I look forward to checking out this authors backlist.
Publication Date 30 July 2024
Publisher Bantam
Thank you so much to the lovely team at Penguin Books Australia for a copy of the book 🙏
September 22, 2024
If you want to read a murder mystery/thriller set in regional Australia, you could hardly be in better hands than Margaret Hickey’s. What I found most interesting about The Creeper was the perspective on policing in a small town. The young new cop is a bit “not like other girls”y at times, but she has a tough row to hoe and it’s interesting to watch her piece it all together.
My full review of The Creeper is up now on Keeping Up With The Penguins.
My full review of The Creeper is up now on Keeping Up With The Penguins.
October 17, 2024
4.5*
The Creeper is a tense and atmospheric thriller set in the high country of north-eastern Victoria, Australia. It's not part of author Margaret Hickey's popular D.S. Mark Ariti series, but exists within the same universe, as central character Senior Constable Sally White is the step-daughter of Mark Ariti's friend and mentor Angelo Conti, now Assistant Commissioner of Police in Victoria.
The action takes place in the fictional town of Edenville, where ten years previously a notorious crime took place. High on the mountain overlooking the town, five bushwalkers were brutally murdered, while the man held responsible, an Edenville local, committed suicide nearby. Newly appointed as the sole cop responsible for the Edenville station, Senior Sergeant Sally White is tasked with managing the heightened emotions in the town on the weekend of the tenth anniversary of the crime. She must also interview and placate the accused killer's surviving brother, Lex Durant, who has raised concerns about police behaviour prior to and in the aftermath of the crime, and doubts that his brother was actually the culprit.
Interwoven with the contemporary narrative of Sally's investigation and discoveries are short sections told from the perspectives of those on the mountain on the day of the crimes - several of whom will not live to tell the tale. Particularly poignant is the perspective of bushwalking guide Kate Barone, a local woman struggling to make ends meet after her husband's cancer diagnosis. Kate faces various challenges as she leads her group of three walkers on a circuit around Jagged Ridge. Not only are two of her group physically underprepared for the walk, but harsh weather is closing in faster than expected, and the group hear the occasional gunshot echoing through the surrounding national park.
In the present, the more Sally digs, the more she uncovers about the Durant family's history in Edenville and about the backgrounds of each of the bushwalkers killed on Jagged Ridge. It becomes apparent that each of Kate Barone's clients had faced some form of suspicious online interaction in the weeks prior to the fateful walk - a financial scam, an online stalker and a cyber-romance. Is it possible that one or more of these leads may disclose an alternative motive for the crime? While Bill Durant, dubbed "The Creeper" in the media in the aftermath of the murders, undoubtedly engaged in some threatening and predatory behaviour in the national park his property backed onto, did he actually commit these crimes? Or could he have been the unacknowledged sixth victim of an as-yet unidentified villain?
As Sally closes in on the truth, she faces a series of threatening incidents in and around Edenville. It seems someone local doesn't want her uncovering the truth. As a young officer, keen to prove herself, Sally begins to doubt who she can really trust amongst her new friends and acquaintances and her police colleagues in nearby (fictional) Wexton. The action reaches a crescendo as Sally is deputised to accompany a small group onto Jagged Ridge on the anniversary of the killings - the widow and son of two of the victims and the sole survivor of the carnage ten years previously. Laura Wynter had managed to hide from an unseen gun-toting killer high on the ridge and was carried from the bush by Sally's now partner, Parks and Wildlife ranger Jim. She's now returned to Edenville with the intention of producing a podcast-documentary on the events. Will this reunion of people associated with the crime assist Sally to clarify what really happened, or is she heading towards a dangerous confrontation?
Margaret Hickey's development of the setting for The Creeper is masterful. The reader gets a real feel for the sounds, smells and isolation of Australia's high country. The sense of lurking menace she creates is visceral, in both the present and flashback portions of the narrative. The central character Sally White is well developed and complex - her tenacity and curiosity a counterpoint to the "let sleeping dogs lie" attitude of locals and her police superior. The cast of supporting characters is also compelling, with Hickey exploring the petty jealousies, grudges and small-mindedness that often exist in small towns, as well as the complex feelings of those left to rebuild their lives after a tragedy.
I'm not sure whether The Creeper is intended as a standalone or as the start of a new series featuring Senior Constable Sally White. If the latter, I very much look forward to reading further instalments featuring this identifiable and courageous character - she has great potential as an investigator who's willing to look below the surface to bring the guilty to justice.
I'd highly recommend The Creeper to any reader who's already enjoyed Margaret Hickey's South Australian set D.S. Mark Ariti series, and also to any reader who enjoys Australian bushland settings, compelling characters and multi-layered crime-thriller-mystery plots.
The Creeper is a tense and atmospheric thriller set in the high country of north-eastern Victoria, Australia. It's not part of author Margaret Hickey's popular D.S. Mark Ariti series, but exists within the same universe, as central character Senior Constable Sally White is the step-daughter of Mark Ariti's friend and mentor Angelo Conti, now Assistant Commissioner of Police in Victoria.
The action takes place in the fictional town of Edenville, where ten years previously a notorious crime took place. High on the mountain overlooking the town, five bushwalkers were brutally murdered, while the man held responsible, an Edenville local, committed suicide nearby. Newly appointed as the sole cop responsible for the Edenville station, Senior Sergeant Sally White is tasked with managing the heightened emotions in the town on the weekend of the tenth anniversary of the crime. She must also interview and placate the accused killer's surviving brother, Lex Durant, who has raised concerns about police behaviour prior to and in the aftermath of the crime, and doubts that his brother was actually the culprit.
Interwoven with the contemporary narrative of Sally's investigation and discoveries are short sections told from the perspectives of those on the mountain on the day of the crimes - several of whom will not live to tell the tale. Particularly poignant is the perspective of bushwalking guide Kate Barone, a local woman struggling to make ends meet after her husband's cancer diagnosis. Kate faces various challenges as she leads her group of three walkers on a circuit around Jagged Ridge. Not only are two of her group physically underprepared for the walk, but harsh weather is closing in faster than expected, and the group hear the occasional gunshot echoing through the surrounding national park.
In the present, the more Sally digs, the more she uncovers about the Durant family's history in Edenville and about the backgrounds of each of the bushwalkers killed on Jagged Ridge. It becomes apparent that each of Kate Barone's clients had faced some form of suspicious online interaction in the weeks prior to the fateful walk - a financial scam, an online stalker and a cyber-romance. Is it possible that one or more of these leads may disclose an alternative motive for the crime? While Bill Durant, dubbed "The Creeper" in the media in the aftermath of the murders, undoubtedly engaged in some threatening and predatory behaviour in the national park his property backed onto, did he actually commit these crimes? Or could he have been the unacknowledged sixth victim of an as-yet unidentified villain?
As Sally closes in on the truth, she faces a series of threatening incidents in and around Edenville. It seems someone local doesn't want her uncovering the truth. As a young officer, keen to prove herself, Sally begins to doubt who she can really trust amongst her new friends and acquaintances and her police colleagues in nearby (fictional) Wexton. The action reaches a crescendo as Sally is deputised to accompany a small group onto Jagged Ridge on the anniversary of the killings - the widow and son of two of the victims and the sole survivor of the carnage ten years previously. Laura Wynter had managed to hide from an unseen gun-toting killer high on the ridge and was carried from the bush by Sally's now partner, Parks and Wildlife ranger Jim. She's now returned to Edenville with the intention of producing a podcast-documentary on the events. Will this reunion of people associated with the crime assist Sally to clarify what really happened, or is she heading towards a dangerous confrontation?
Margaret Hickey's development of the setting for The Creeper is masterful. The reader gets a real feel for the sounds, smells and isolation of Australia's high country. The sense of lurking menace she creates is visceral, in both the present and flashback portions of the narrative. The central character Sally White is well developed and complex - her tenacity and curiosity a counterpoint to the "let sleeping dogs lie" attitude of locals and her police superior. The cast of supporting characters is also compelling, with Hickey exploring the petty jealousies, grudges and small-mindedness that often exist in small towns, as well as the complex feelings of those left to rebuild their lives after a tragedy.
I'm not sure whether The Creeper is intended as a standalone or as the start of a new series featuring Senior Constable Sally White. If the latter, I very much look forward to reading further instalments featuring this identifiable and courageous character - she has great potential as an investigator who's willing to look below the surface to bring the guilty to justice.
I'd highly recommend The Creeper to any reader who's already enjoyed Margaret Hickey's South Australian set D.S. Mark Ariti series, and also to any reader who enjoys Australian bushland settings, compelling characters and multi-layered crime-thriller-mystery plots.
July 30, 2025
An atmospheric Australian crime thriller story, featuring a small, isolated community, complex family dynamics and long-held secrets. Told with dual-timeline narrative, from various perspectives.
For the last decade, the small mountain town of Edenville, has been haunted by the horrific murders of five hikers on Jagged Ridge. Found dead near the scene was ‘Creeper’, a bushland loner with a reputation for stalking campers. The conclusion is a horrendous murder-suicide, case closed. But as the 10-year anniversary draws near, it becomes clear that all is not as it originally seemed…
I was immersed in the eeriness of Edenville in Victoria’s high country, with the building tension of unravelling small-town secrets, and the isolation of hiking on a quiet mountain.
Excited to read more from Margaret Hickey!
For the last decade, the small mountain town of Edenville, has been haunted by the horrific murders of five hikers on Jagged Ridge. Found dead near the scene was ‘Creeper’, a bushland loner with a reputation for stalking campers. The conclusion is a horrendous murder-suicide, case closed. But as the 10-year anniversary draws near, it becomes clear that all is not as it originally seemed…
I was immersed in the eeriness of Edenville in Victoria’s high country, with the building tension of unravelling small-town secrets, and the isolation of hiking on a quiet mountain.
Excited to read more from Margaret Hickey!
August 13, 2024
Having read Broken Bay by this author last year, I couldnt wait to get my hands on this one. I loved it. I actually got "Ivan Milat" vibes about it.
What I enjoyed the most about this book was the setting and the authors writing style. Set in a small town, I personally love the high country in Victoria so I could easily picture it. Her writing style is brilliant, Margaret builds up the suspense , and the ending - the final twist was not what I was expecting. Highly recommend.
What I enjoyed the most about this book was the setting and the authors writing style. Set in a small town, I personally love the high country in Victoria so I could easily picture it. Her writing style is brilliant, Margaret builds up the suspense , and the ending - the final twist was not what I was expecting. Highly recommend.
September 28, 2024
Good concept, poor execution
October 1, 2024
I was not much of a fan of Senior Constable Sally White, so if this is the start of a series I’ll pass. She was quite insufferable and unenjoyable. Hickey’s ability to create environment and surroundings was a bright spot. The plot was decent and wasn’t a vague set up to make any outcome plausible; this felt thought out. As such I’ll try another Hickey book, just not one featuring White.
January 20, 2025
Well-written Australian crime novel.
September 8, 2024
(2.5 stars)
The Creeper annoyed me. It's about a family (the Durant family) who, through poverty, are ostracised by an entire town: "When you’re brought up with nothing, when your family’s the local mess – you don’t feel right in places like this, where people can gawk at you and gossip under their breaths. You’ve never been poor, have you?" This hatred and ostracism becomes more intense when the patriarch of their family shoots and wounds a cop. After that they are openly harassed by police. Shit flows down hill, with the older siblings (boys) taking this pressure out on their younger siblings. As they all become adults, it's supposed to be somehow surprising that more than one of the siblings feels inclined to do bad things.
The Creeper is told from the perspective of a young cop, Detective Constable Sally White, who, when push comes to shove, thinks the best solution to this problem is a criminal one: to employ criminals to bully back those in power who behave badly. Despite being the book's supposed heroine, Sally is crude in her analysis and behaviour: "She was often called friendly. Sometimes even ‘warm’. All the best female cops on TV had excellent resting bitch face. She’d have to practise hers." She flicks between thinking about policing and buying and selling clothing online. Sally is disparaging in her views of the public she meets: "Well, thank you, Martin,’ she said sweetly. ‘You’ve been brilliant.’ Despite being a bloody awful son." Perhaps this would have worked better with a trustworthy older policewoman or man to show how views of behaviour become more nuanced as you age, but instead we get Pat who is up to his eyeballs in his own disgusting actions. This means, for example, nobody is modelling that good police interviewing is unhurried: "Sally felt like snapping her fingers to get his attention back."
So basically nobody in this book is believable or likeable, bar for Lex Durant, who you will probably feel sorry for. The only person who sees him as a whole person is the lady who makes his coffee, and Sally's would-be mother in law, who at least says the family is not what the town suggests: "I just think that he’s become a bit of a myth,’ Marion added. ‘I’m not saying the stories are totally made up, but I do believe they are exaggerated." So in the end it's a book about a nasty Victorian town, Edenville, in a beautiful mountainous place, that gets to experience what it created through unchecked poverty and hatred: "It’s not easy to admit now, but the whole town despised them." Perhaps if they'd seen everyone deserves the same help after a cancer diagnosis: "No fundraisers for Bill; not for a Durant" they wouldn't have let someone become completely disenfranchised and care so little about what happens next.
The Creeper annoyed me. It's about a family (the Durant family) who, through poverty, are ostracised by an entire town: "When you’re brought up with nothing, when your family’s the local mess – you don’t feel right in places like this, where people can gawk at you and gossip under their breaths. You’ve never been poor, have you?" This hatred and ostracism becomes more intense when the patriarch of their family shoots and wounds a cop. After that they are openly harassed by police. Shit flows down hill, with the older siblings (boys) taking this pressure out on their younger siblings. As they all become adults, it's supposed to be somehow surprising that more than one of the siblings feels inclined to do bad things.
The Creeper is told from the perspective of a young cop, Detective Constable Sally White, who, when push comes to shove, thinks the best solution to this problem is a criminal one: to employ criminals to bully back those in power who behave badly. Despite being the book's supposed heroine, Sally is crude in her analysis and behaviour: "She was often called friendly. Sometimes even ‘warm’. All the best female cops on TV had excellent resting bitch face. She’d have to practise hers." She flicks between thinking about policing and buying and selling clothing online. Sally is disparaging in her views of the public she meets: "Well, thank you, Martin,’ she said sweetly. ‘You’ve been brilliant.’ Despite being a bloody awful son." Perhaps this would have worked better with a trustworthy older policewoman or man to show how views of behaviour become more nuanced as you age, but instead we get Pat who is up to his eyeballs in his own disgusting actions. This means, for example, nobody is modelling that good police interviewing is unhurried: "Sally felt like snapping her fingers to get his attention back."
So basically nobody in this book is believable or likeable, bar for Lex Durant, who you will probably feel sorry for. The only person who sees him as a whole person is the lady who makes his coffee, and Sally's would-be mother in law, who at least says the family is not what the town suggests: "I just think that he’s become a bit of a myth,’ Marion added. ‘I’m not saying the stories are totally made up, but I do believe they are exaggerated." So in the end it's a book about a nasty Victorian town, Edenville, in a beautiful mountainous place, that gets to experience what it created through unchecked poverty and hatred: "It’s not easy to admit now, but the whole town despised them." Perhaps if they'd seen everyone deserves the same help after a cancer diagnosis: "No fundraisers for Bill; not for a Durant" they wouldn't have let someone become completely disenfranchised and care so little about what happens next.
August 27, 2024
An excellent novel. Really well plotted. Convincing characters and great description. I wish more of her novels were in audio format!
September 4, 2024
I love a good Aussie crime novel and when I stumbled upon this audiobook freshly added to my local library, I figured I’d give it ago. So glad I did!
The Creeper follows Sally, a fresh-faced young copper, as she settles into life in country Victoria. Sally has a lot to prove, both to herself (young woman, small town, old grudges) and to her stepfather who is the assistant police commissioner. With the upcoming 10-year anniversary of the mass-murder of a group of hikers in the nearby mountain rangers, Sally is persuaded to look into the case by a member of the murderers’ family. But when Sally starts her investigation, she is left with more questions than answers, and a nasty suspicion that the truth is creeping up on her.
This was a lot of fun! I really do love Aussie crime dramas – we do sinister and tension building so well – and I think this is a worthy addition to the genre. I think folks who enjoy the work of Jane Harper would enjoy this story (although imo the writing is not quite as good) and I would enjoy seeing this turned into a film/miniseries (low key have already cast half of it haha).
The plot of this book was incredibly compelling, and the strong character writing made up for the kind of obvious “twists”. As I’ve said previously with Jane Harpers books, I felt like I knew these characters. I grew up in this town. I have smelled this particular country air. Hickey smashed the setting and atmosphere as well as the vibe of a small town. I do wish the mystery had been a little harder to crack or – sicko that I am – that it had been a bit darker at times. Also, the epilogue was a strange choice imo – I liked how creepy it was and how it gave a little more context for some of the decisions however I think it was too late to really benefit the plot and it left my hungry for more from the story. However, that didn’t take away from my overall enjoyment.
I definitely plan on seeking out more from this author as I had such a fun time with this story. I would highly recommend the audiobook as the narrator really brought the characters – especially Sally – to life. If you’re looking for a fun, creepy Aussie crime story, this might be for you!
The Creeper follows Sally, a fresh-faced young copper, as she settles into life in country Victoria. Sally has a lot to prove, both to herself (young woman, small town, old grudges) and to her stepfather who is the assistant police commissioner. With the upcoming 10-year anniversary of the mass-murder of a group of hikers in the nearby mountain rangers, Sally is persuaded to look into the case by a member of the murderers’ family. But when Sally starts her investigation, she is left with more questions than answers, and a nasty suspicion that the truth is creeping up on her.
This was a lot of fun! I really do love Aussie crime dramas – we do sinister and tension building so well – and I think this is a worthy addition to the genre. I think folks who enjoy the work of Jane Harper would enjoy this story (although imo the writing is not quite as good) and I would enjoy seeing this turned into a film/miniseries (low key have already cast half of it haha).
The plot of this book was incredibly compelling, and the strong character writing made up for the kind of obvious “twists”. As I’ve said previously with Jane Harpers books, I felt like I knew these characters. I grew up in this town. I have smelled this particular country air. Hickey smashed the setting and atmosphere as well as the vibe of a small town. I do wish the mystery had been a little harder to crack or – sicko that I am – that it had been a bit darker at times. Also, the epilogue was a strange choice imo – I liked how creepy it was and how it gave a little more context for some of the decisions however I think it was too late to really benefit the plot and it left my hungry for more from the story. However, that didn’t take away from my overall enjoyment.
I definitely plan on seeking out more from this author as I had such a fun time with this story. I would highly recommend the audiobook as the narrator really brought the characters – especially Sally – to life. If you’re looking for a fun, creepy Aussie crime story, this might be for you!
April 20, 2025
3.5 stars. A good Aussie crime novel that, while keeping me engaged the whole way through, still missed the mark a bit for me personally. Hickey has given us a new main character, Detective Constable Sally White, a 24 year old temporarily in charge of a rural police station in the Victorian high country. I didn’t really warm to her as a character and I felt there was a lack of credibility with her backstory, city friends, boyfriend, hiking prowess, drinking and dancing at the pub… I guess none of that gelled for me. Anyway there was lots of action, mountain ridges and passes and mysterious huts and a cast of characters including the local outcast family and the footy club/ netball team, the dynamics of which really did ring true. Sally is a wing attack so she can definitely be relied upon to solve a mystery and bring criminals to justice.
December 29, 2024
10 years ago five hikers were tragically murdered on Jagged Ridge, in high country Edenville. Local deer hunter Billy Durrant’s body was found nearby along with a gun and DNA and the case was closed
Now with the anniversary almost near, the lone survivor has brought the murders back into the spotlight, planning on hiking up the mountain again with the victims families as a vigil
Sally White is the Senior Constable in Edenville having recently moved to town she now has doubts on the original findings. As Sally begins her own investigation, some things aren’t adding up. This might not have not been the open and shut case originally thought
This is such an amazing atmospheric read filled with plenty of suspense. Sally is such a great leading character
Now with the anniversary almost near, the lone survivor has brought the murders back into the spotlight, planning on hiking up the mountain again with the victims families as a vigil
Sally White is the Senior Constable in Edenville having recently moved to town she now has doubts on the original findings. As Sally begins her own investigation, some things aren’t adding up. This might not have not been the open and shut case originally thought
This is such an amazing atmospheric read filled with plenty of suspense. Sally is such a great leading character
September 29, 2024
My first Margaret Hickey, and it's a blast!
Welcome to Edenville, in Victoria's High Country. It's a great town to live... unless you're a Durant, of course.
Ten years ago, the mountain town hit headlines when the notorious Bill Durant, AKA 'The Deer Man' and/or 'The Creeper' shot dead five hikers before turning the gun on himself. Because of stigma and conclusive evidence, it was deemed an open and shut case. Murder suicide.
But... Bill's brother, Lex, believes differently. He's back in the area and is determined to prove his brother's innocence. And, this time, he's convinced police to look into things more clearly.
Senior Constable Sally White is a newcomer to Edenville, solely in charge of the towns only police station. What she lacks in experience, she makes up in determination. She has big shoes to fill - her ex stepfather so happens to be Assistant Commisioner. When Sal begins to piece the truth together, she finds that it's near impossible for her superiors to take her seriously.
With the tenth anniversary looming, gaining media attention once more, it's happening again....
I simply could not put this down. Can you feel those Ivan Milat vibes because I could. The Creeper is an apt title due to the sheer creepiness. That feeling of a shiver running down your spine? It's real, man.
How could one picturesque mountain town hide so many secrets? Somehow, it's not only the mountains that make you claustrophobic.. not when you get to know the townsfolk.
Remember.. family sticks together here.
4.75 🌟
Welcome to Edenville, in Victoria's High Country. It's a great town to live... unless you're a Durant, of course.
Ten years ago, the mountain town hit headlines when the notorious Bill Durant, AKA 'The Deer Man' and/or 'The Creeper' shot dead five hikers before turning the gun on himself. Because of stigma and conclusive evidence, it was deemed an open and shut case. Murder suicide.
But... Bill's brother, Lex, believes differently. He's back in the area and is determined to prove his brother's innocence. And, this time, he's convinced police to look into things more clearly.
Senior Constable Sally White is a newcomer to Edenville, solely in charge of the towns only police station. What she lacks in experience, she makes up in determination. She has big shoes to fill - her ex stepfather so happens to be Assistant Commisioner. When Sal begins to piece the truth together, she finds that it's near impossible for her superiors to take her seriously.
With the tenth anniversary looming, gaining media attention once more, it's happening again....
I simply could not put this down. Can you feel those Ivan Milat vibes because I could. The Creeper is an apt title due to the sheer creepiness. That feeling of a shiver running down your spine? It's real, man.
How could one picturesque mountain town hide so many secrets? Somehow, it's not only the mountains that make you claustrophobic.. not when you get to know the townsfolk.
Remember.. family sticks together here.
4.75 🌟
August 6, 2024
Thank you Penguin for sending us a copy to read and review.
The Creeper screams from the front cover and evokes the right level of fear and trepidation.
A murder slash suicide in the mountains is about to be relived as its tenth anniversary draws close.
The sole survivor is coming back to town.
Senior Constable Sally White is familiar with the case and the theories that float about town.
The commemoration an opportunity to scrutinise the past more closely and delve into the notorious Durant family and see if any cracks were left unchecked.
The Durant family lived roughly and were no strangers to violence.
The suspect was one of the sons who committed suicide after the murders.
Fear tactics and physical warnings do not deter Sally as she is determined to uncover the truth.
The creeper is watching.
The isolation and danger of the high country shines through in this tense read. The characters and setting so vivid that the tension leapt from the pages. Another very good example for lovers of this genre.
The Creeper screams from the front cover and evokes the right level of fear and trepidation.
A murder slash suicide in the mountains is about to be relived as its tenth anniversary draws close.
The sole survivor is coming back to town.
Senior Constable Sally White is familiar with the case and the theories that float about town.
The commemoration an opportunity to scrutinise the past more closely and delve into the notorious Durant family and see if any cracks were left unchecked.
The Durant family lived roughly and were no strangers to violence.
The suspect was one of the sons who committed suicide after the murders.
Fear tactics and physical warnings do not deter Sally as she is determined to uncover the truth.
The creeper is watching.
The isolation and danger of the high country shines through in this tense read. The characters and setting so vivid that the tension leapt from the pages. Another very good example for lovers of this genre.
October 28, 2024
2.75 ⭐️’s this was ok, but really not great. I ended up listening to the last 65% on Spotify and I’m glad I did because the narrator was great!
Other thoughts:
🫠 hard to follow
🫠 way too many characters for my liking
🫠 annoying main character
🫠 weird twist that needed a lot more attention
🫠 too much time spent on irrelevant detail
💗 the writing style / prose was nice
💗 I liked the scenery - being from Gippsland I recognised a lot of the places the story referred to
💗 the narrator on Spotify was great
*EDIT* no, I did not guess the killer 😂
Other thoughts:
🫠 hard to follow
🫠 way too many characters for my liking
🫠 annoying main character
🫠 weird twist that needed a lot more attention
🫠 too much time spent on irrelevant detail
💗 the writing style / prose was nice
💗 I liked the scenery - being from Gippsland I recognised a lot of the places the story referred to
💗 the narrator on Spotify was great
*EDIT* no, I did not guess the killer 😂
April 29, 2025
Whoa what an internal push pull of desperately wanting to DNF this book or needing to find out if who I’d picked from the start really did kill them all..
Nothing says “trying to relate to the kids” more than saying *cringe* half a dozen times and making the 24 year old main character crack open another UDL..
The mystery wasn’t too bad in the end, after DNFing it for a day, my curiosity did end up getting the better of me. Oh Hickey we do have a convoluted relationship don’t we, I’ll see you at your next novel
Nothing says “trying to relate to the kids” more than saying *cringe* half a dozen times and making the 24 year old main character crack open another UDL..
The mystery wasn’t too bad in the end, after DNFing it for a day, my curiosity did end up getting the better of me. Oh Hickey we do have a convoluted relationship don’t we, I’ll see you at your next novel
January 26, 2025
I have read Hickey’s three other crime fiction novels which focused on officer Mark Mariti and his efforts to solve murders. I thought Cutters End was a well written story, I found the other two were weighed down with a multitude of characters and an excess of story lines.
In The Creeper we have Constable Sally White, the sole police officer in the town Victorian highlands town of Edenville. (With more female crime fiction authors comes more female protagonist.)
Five bushwalkers were murdered a decade ago and the culprit committed suicide at the scene. As is the case in Australia where anniversaries of tragedies are ‘celebrated’, as was recently the case with the Lindt Café siege and is also the case at Port Arthur and Bali. In this story there is media interest and the surviving familes want to remember their lost loved ones. Trouble could be developing for Constable White. She is a highly principled officer and a relative of the murderer has thrown doubts into her mind of the propriety of the original police investigation. This reader reflected on the failure of the New South Wales police in their investigations into gay-hate crimes in the 1980s and 90s.
The story opens with a lost couple squabbling on a hiking trip when they encounter a terrified woman covered in blood and screaming for help. The story flips to Sally White. The readers appetite has been whet.
The story then divides into two time periods; ten years ago when Kate, a bush walking guide, leads Russel, Lyn, and Brooke on a three day trek and then the present, where White is going about her personal and professional life. is beginning to make her own investigation into the deaths. Hickey likes to have the murders take place sometime ago and they are investigated years later. She has done this in her other books.
The murderer is a member of the menacing Durant family. If you have read ‘Sins of the Brother’ by Whittaker and Kennedy, you will recognise the infamous Milat clan. Hickey provides a perceptive and deatailed history of this disfunctional and doomed family. Bill ‘Creeper’ Durant was known to stalk bushwalkers and when his dead body was found with the hiker victims it was assumes a murder suicide.
Hickey has written well structured story with believable characters who inhabit the town. The reader gets to know many of the inhabitants of Edenville and it's surrounds; Jim, Sally’s handsome park ranger partner, Laura the sole survivor, rescued by Jim, Pat Kennedy, Sally’s supervisor, Kyle police officer sent to assist Sally, the partners of the deceased walkers all add to the complexity of the story.
Hickey always creates a detailed picture of the settings of her novels and she does this with her descriptions of the town in North Eastern Victoria and the surrounding highlands, vegetation and climate. It has a similar setting as Jane Harper’s Force of Nature.
The story progresses when Sally starts to investigate the backgrounds of the victims and closet skeletons are unveiled. The story is a slow burn until the final pages when things become lively.
While reading I never really try to solve the mystery as to who committed the crime/murder as that fact is totally in the hands of the author. In a murder mystery the resolution is always a difficult write. Hickey handles the ending well. The reader would never guess and it is not known who committed the murders till the disclosures in the last pages. Her conclusion is generally believable and well constructed. I was not convinced of the motivations of the killer. It does have a thriller element to it. This story is Hickey’s best so far. The murders are central to the plot throughout the book, Hickey peppers the story with an array of believable and interesting characters, she captures this part of Victoria quite well. The protagonist has the elements of a modern female police officer and her character is likeable and real. The book kept me interested from page one to page 350.
Finally, I learnt a new word, 'catfish'. I will leave to the reader to discover this word, but in today's online world I am guessing many would know it already.
Will Sally White return or will this be a one off?
In The Creeper we have Constable Sally White, the sole police officer in the town Victorian highlands town of Edenville. (With more female crime fiction authors comes more female protagonist.)
Five bushwalkers were murdered a decade ago and the culprit committed suicide at the scene. As is the case in Australia where anniversaries of tragedies are ‘celebrated’, as was recently the case with the Lindt Café siege and is also the case at Port Arthur and Bali. In this story there is media interest and the surviving familes want to remember their lost loved ones. Trouble could be developing for Constable White. She is a highly principled officer and a relative of the murderer has thrown doubts into her mind of the propriety of the original police investigation. This reader reflected on the failure of the New South Wales police in their investigations into gay-hate crimes in the 1980s and 90s.
The story opens with a lost couple squabbling on a hiking trip when they encounter a terrified woman covered in blood and screaming for help. The story flips to Sally White. The readers appetite has been whet.
The story then divides into two time periods; ten years ago when Kate, a bush walking guide, leads Russel, Lyn, and Brooke on a three day trek and then the present, where White is going about her personal and professional life. is beginning to make her own investigation into the deaths. Hickey likes to have the murders take place sometime ago and they are investigated years later. She has done this in her other books.
The murderer is a member of the menacing Durant family. If you have read ‘Sins of the Brother’ by Whittaker and Kennedy, you will recognise the infamous Milat clan. Hickey provides a perceptive and deatailed history of this disfunctional and doomed family. Bill ‘Creeper’ Durant was known to stalk bushwalkers and when his dead body was found with the hiker victims it was assumes a murder suicide.
Hickey has written well structured story with believable characters who inhabit the town. The reader gets to know many of the inhabitants of Edenville and it's surrounds; Jim, Sally’s handsome park ranger partner, Laura the sole survivor, rescued by Jim, Pat Kennedy, Sally’s supervisor, Kyle police officer sent to assist Sally, the partners of the deceased walkers all add to the complexity of the story.
Hickey always creates a detailed picture of the settings of her novels and she does this with her descriptions of the town in North Eastern Victoria and the surrounding highlands, vegetation and climate. It has a similar setting as Jane Harper’s Force of Nature.
The story progresses when Sally starts to investigate the backgrounds of the victims and closet skeletons are unveiled. The story is a slow burn until the final pages when things become lively.
While reading I never really try to solve the mystery as to who committed the crime/murder as that fact is totally in the hands of the author. In a murder mystery the resolution is always a difficult write. Hickey handles the ending well. The reader would never guess and it is not known who committed the murders till the disclosures in the last pages. Her conclusion is generally believable and well constructed. I was not convinced of the motivations of the killer. It does have a thriller element to it. This story is Hickey’s best so far. The murders are central to the plot throughout the book, Hickey peppers the story with an array of believable and interesting characters, she captures this part of Victoria quite well. The protagonist has the elements of a modern female police officer and her character is likeable and real. The book kept me interested from page one to page 350.
Finally, I learnt a new word, 'catfish'. I will leave to the reader to discover this word, but in today's online world I am guessing many would know it already.
Will Sally White return or will this be a one off?
August 12, 2024
**Mini Review**
Margaret Hickey’s The Creeper is a compelling and atmospheric crime novel that brilliantly showcases her talent for suspenseful storytelling and authentic characters. Set in Edenville, a small town in the Victorian High Country, the novel revisits a decade-old murder case involving a group of hikers. As the anniversary of the infamous crime approaches, Sally White, the town’s new and only police officer, begins to question whether justice was truly served. Although Bill Durrant, labelled as The Creeper, was named the culprit and is long dead, Sally’s investigation uncovers unsettling doubts.
The portrayal of the High Country is hauntingly beautiful, enhancing the story’s tension and the narrative seamlessly weaves between past and present, with suspense building as Sally’s inquiries place her in increasing danger. The novel’s atmospheric intensity and brisk pacing make it a true page-turner. The Creeper is a must-read for fans of Australian crime fiction, offering a gripping mystery set against a vividly depicted backdrop.
Margaret Hickey’s The Creeper is a compelling and atmospheric crime novel that brilliantly showcases her talent for suspenseful storytelling and authentic characters. Set in Edenville, a small town in the Victorian High Country, the novel revisits a decade-old murder case involving a group of hikers. As the anniversary of the infamous crime approaches, Sally White, the town’s new and only police officer, begins to question whether justice was truly served. Although Bill Durrant, labelled as The Creeper, was named the culprit and is long dead, Sally’s investigation uncovers unsettling doubts.
The portrayal of the High Country is hauntingly beautiful, enhancing the story’s tension and the narrative seamlessly weaves between past and present, with suspense building as Sally’s inquiries place her in increasing danger. The novel’s atmospheric intensity and brisk pacing make it a true page-turner. The Creeper is a must-read for fans of Australian crime fiction, offering a gripping mystery set against a vividly depicted backdrop.
July 2, 2024
I received an uncorrected advance proof. This is an exciting and fast paced addition to the growing collection of Australian noir crime/thriller story. Great depiction of the Victorian high country… it really is spectacular country but does lend itself to these depictions of creepy, remote and harsh vertiginous landscape.
The characters of this small town are well written and realistic. The long term residents and the tree changers provide plenty of inspiration and opportunity for motives and backstories. Perhaps the epilogue was not necessary- it felt like it just restarted the previous chapter, I guess it’s difficult to finish a story like this when it has been moving so quickly.
I think there were sufficient hints and clues to help you build a picture of who might be involved in the crimes, which allows the reader to participate in solving the events with the final reveal being to far fetched. Recently there seems to be a tendency to make the plot so convoluted that there is no way to do this.
The characters of this small town are well written and realistic. The long term residents and the tree changers provide plenty of inspiration and opportunity for motives and backstories. Perhaps the epilogue was not necessary- it felt like it just restarted the previous chapter, I guess it’s difficult to finish a story like this when it has been moving so quickly.
I think there were sufficient hints and clues to help you build a picture of who might be involved in the crimes, which allows the reader to participate in solving the events with the final reveal being to far fetched. Recently there seems to be a tendency to make the plot so convoluted that there is no way to do this.
September 25, 2024
2.5 rounded up
As the ten year anniversary of a brutal mass murder looms, the small town of Edenville, the survivors, the families start asking questions. The depictions of the Victorian High Country were well done and very atmospheric.
I have read Hickey's other Mark Ariti books and was looking forward to this new one which was an okay read. I struggled with Sally, the female police officer, for most of the book. She was so young, especially in her behaviour, but fortunately she grew into bigger girl pants. Somewhat predictable towards the last third but I will continue to read Hickey's books for what they are - crime/police procedural entertainment.
As the ten year anniversary of a brutal mass murder looms, the small town of Edenville, the survivors, the families start asking questions. The depictions of the Victorian High Country were well done and very atmospheric.
I have read Hickey's other Mark Ariti books and was looking forward to this new one which was an okay read. I struggled with Sally, the female police officer, for most of the book. She was so young, especially in her behaviour, but fortunately she grew into bigger girl pants. Somewhat predictable towards the last third but I will continue to read Hickey's books for what they are - crime/police procedural entertainment.
November 10, 2024
Unputdownable, and you will be heading straight for the three others. Very tricky trying to predict the outcome, the author rivals Jane Harper and I will be all over everything she writes! Get your hands on Cutters End and go from there! 5 star! No question!
July 1, 2025
4.5 ⭐️ Another good read, flew through this one! Kept me guessing until the end!
Sure was creepy (camping, definitely not for me)
Sure was creepy (camping, definitely not for me)
September 9, 2024
Hard to follow
February 19, 2025
A great Australian thriller, set in a small country town with a wealth of open secrets.
I think Hickey has definitely set us up for a series, and I'm eager to see where Detective Sallys story goes!
Edit: Restrospectively, I would have liked more details about the Durant family history to clarify things.
I think Hickey has definitely set us up for a series, and I'm eager to see where Detective Sallys story goes!
Edit: Restrospectively, I would have liked more details about the Durant family history to clarify things.
August 13, 2024
Geez, what a story! That was a thriller and a half for sure. Part murder mystery, part police procedural and a big part taut and engrossing thriller.
Senior Constable Sally White, stepdaughter of Assistant Commissioner Angelo Conti (from Broken Bay etc) is stationed at Edenville in Victoria's High Country and is enjoying life in this idyllic part of the country.
With the 10th anniversary of the horrific 'murders on the mountain' looming, Sally feels that something is not right and is keen to look over the case files and see if anything was missed.
Lex Durant, the brother of the man accused of the murders, is not convinced that Bill was the killer and is prepared to go to the media with his thoughts. He lets Sally know what he thinks and accused the police of harassing his family over the years.
There was an underlying feeling of dread and something sinister going on while reading this. I was convinced a few times that I knew where this was going and that I had it all figured out. Yeah, no I didn't, at all!
Every time Sally got closer to uncovering the truth, every time she felt she was on the right track and gaining ground, something or someone would unnerve her and she would doubt herself. There were so many well placed red herrings that made this such an exciting book to read.
I think this is Margaret's best book yet, mainly due to the tension and eerie atmosphere that is oozing out of the pages. I do not like the bush at night and this type of story is exactly the reason why!
Senior Constable Sally White, stepdaughter of Assistant Commissioner Angelo Conti (from Broken Bay etc) is stationed at Edenville in Victoria's High Country and is enjoying life in this idyllic part of the country.
With the 10th anniversary of the horrific 'murders on the mountain' looming, Sally feels that something is not right and is keen to look over the case files and see if anything was missed.
Lex Durant, the brother of the man accused of the murders, is not convinced that Bill was the killer and is prepared to go to the media with his thoughts. He lets Sally know what he thinks and accused the police of harassing his family over the years.
There was an underlying feeling of dread and something sinister going on while reading this. I was convinced a few times that I knew where this was going and that I had it all figured out. Yeah, no I didn't, at all!
Every time Sally got closer to uncovering the truth, every time she felt she was on the right track and gaining ground, something or someone would unnerve her and she would doubt herself. There were so many well placed red herrings that made this such an exciting book to read.
I think this is Margaret's best book yet, mainly due to the tension and eerie atmosphere that is oozing out of the pages. I do not like the bush at night and this type of story is exactly the reason why!
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