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The Missing Girl
A highly evocative family mystery of secrets and betrayal from the bestselling author of Croc Country.
The darkest secrets are buried the deepest.
Meg Morrissey has just lost her job, and her partner to an overseas assignment, when she is called back to the family home of Hunters Reach in the picturesque Adelaide Hills. Her ailing grandmother, who raised her when she was orphaned as a child, has always been a formidable figure in her life, and this is hardly a welcome summons.
When Meg arrives at the ramshackle old homestead, she learns that the place is up for sale. She is expected to care for the property with its extensive garden, while packing up the contents of the house. As she begins the arduous work of bringing the grand old homestead back to its former glory, she is forced to examine the question that has plagued her all her life – why nobody loved her as a child.
As the house unfolds the history of an earlier age, it also spills out secrets Meg had never imagined – in particular, the discovery of an aunt she never knew, her mother’s twin sister, Iris. The discovery brings horror in its wake, as Meg learns the secrets of the missing girl and the truth behind a wicked heart where love simply never existed. The more she uncovers, the more questions she has. With her grandmother unwilling to share what she knows, Meg must seek out the truth for herself.
Set against the stunning backdrop of the Australian bush in summer, with the ever-present threat of bushfire at its back, this is a highly evocative story of secrets and betrayal from the bestselling author of Croc Country.
The darkest secrets are buried the deepest.
Meg Morrissey has just lost her job, and her partner to an overseas assignment, when she is called back to the family home of Hunters Reach in the picturesque Adelaide Hills. Her ailing grandmother, who raised her when she was orphaned as a child, has always been a formidable figure in her life, and this is hardly a welcome summons.
When Meg arrives at the ramshackle old homestead, she learns that the place is up for sale. She is expected to care for the property with its extensive garden, while packing up the contents of the house. As she begins the arduous work of bringing the grand old homestead back to its former glory, she is forced to examine the question that has plagued her all her life – why nobody loved her as a child.
As the house unfolds the history of an earlier age, it also spills out secrets Meg had never imagined – in particular, the discovery of an aunt she never knew, her mother’s twin sister, Iris. The discovery brings horror in its wake, as Meg learns the secrets of the missing girl and the truth behind a wicked heart where love simply never existed. The more she uncovers, the more questions she has. With her grandmother unwilling to share what she knows, Meg must seek out the truth for herself.
Set against the stunning backdrop of the Australian bush in summer, with the ever-present threat of bushfire at its back, this is a highly evocative story of secrets and betrayal from the bestselling author of Croc Country.
336 pages, Paperback
Published July 2, 2021
15 people are currently reading
199 people want to read
About the author
Kerry McGinnis
22 books78 followersKerry McGinnis was born in Adelaide and, at the age of twelve, took up a life of droving with her father and three siblings. The family travelled extensively across the Northern Territory and Queensland before settling on a station in the Gulf Country. Kerry has worked as a shepherd, droving hand, gardener, stock-camp and station cook, eventually running a property at Bowthorn, near Mount Isa. She is the author of two volumes of memoir and now lives in Bundaberg.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
July 3, 2021
When Meg Morrissey was sent the unwelcome summons from her elderly grandmother, she was tempted to ignore it. After all, they had been estranged for a lot of years. But she left her home in Hahndorf in the Adelaide Hills and headed for Hunters Reach, the homestead she had grown up in with her unloving grandmother. Informed that Hunters Reach was to be sold as her grandmother was in a nursing home, and that Meg was tasked with cleaning out the home and getting it ready for sale, she was grateful when she saw her old friend and biggest supporter as a child, Betty from the nearby farm, appear in the doorway. Betty was happy to help Meg and so the two of them set to work.
Meg’s partner Phillip was a photographer and was currently overseas on a commission, so Meg let his boss know where she’d be. And when the old timer, Jake, appeared to work outside in the rundown and terribly overgrown gardens, Meg was happy to leave him to it. As Meg and Betty worked to bring the old place back to its gleaming best, Meg learned of secrets surrounding her parents, and of an aunt, her mother’s twin sister, whom she barely remembered. She learned of a missing girl, of hateful and damaging words, of a brutal grandfather – and the grandmother now in care who had never shown Meg any love. Would Meg find the answers she found she needed? Her grandmother certainly wouldn’t tell her.
The Missing Girl by Aussie author Kerry McGinnis is an exceptional tale of secrets, love denied, betrayal in the worst imaginable way, and hope. I felt great empathy for Meg, decided her grandmother was a witch, loved Betty’s character and completely admired Phillip. Jake was a typical stoic, hard worker with a heart of gold and a long memory. There were bushfires, the heat of the Australian summer, and the community’s caring nature – all set in the countryside not far from Adelaide in South Australia. Highly recommended.
With thanks to Penguin Random House for my ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
Meg’s partner Phillip was a photographer and was currently overseas on a commission, so Meg let his boss know where she’d be. And when the old timer, Jake, appeared to work outside in the rundown and terribly overgrown gardens, Meg was happy to leave him to it. As Meg and Betty worked to bring the old place back to its gleaming best, Meg learned of secrets surrounding her parents, and of an aunt, her mother’s twin sister, whom she barely remembered. She learned of a missing girl, of hateful and damaging words, of a brutal grandfather – and the grandmother now in care who had never shown Meg any love. Would Meg find the answers she found she needed? Her grandmother certainly wouldn’t tell her.
The Missing Girl by Aussie author Kerry McGinnis is an exceptional tale of secrets, love denied, betrayal in the worst imaginable way, and hope. I felt great empathy for Meg, decided her grandmother was a witch, loved Betty’s character and completely admired Phillip. Jake was a typical stoic, hard worker with a heart of gold and a long memory. There were bushfires, the heat of the Australian summer, and the community’s caring nature – all set in the countryside not far from Adelaide in South Australia. Highly recommended.
With thanks to Penguin Random House for my ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
February 21, 2022
Meg Morrissey is reluctant to return to the family home of Hunters Reach in the Adelaide Hills for this was a place she spent her childhood being raised by her grandmother who now resides in a nursing home. Sadly for Meg, looking back on those years, it was not a time of happiness, it was a time she would rather forget, but unfortunately, the memories of her unloving grandmother will stay with her forever.
Arriving at Hunters Reach Meg can see how the place has deteriorated over the years and straight away, she could see she was going to have her work cut out for her trying to get it ready for sale. Meg is delighted when Betty an old friend and neighbour comes over to give a helping hand in the cleanup. Over the years Meg’s grandmother never told her anything about her family and for many years Meg has been left with unanswered questions. During the massive cleanup, Meg would learn of family secrets, but would these secrets help answer her questions.
The Missing Girl by Australian author Kerry McGinnis is a well-written story that I loved right from the start to the last page. I’ve read a few books by this author and have enjoyed all of them including this one. The descriptions in her books are beautiful and the storyline’s draw you in and before you know it you are turning the last page. Highly recommended.
Arriving at Hunters Reach Meg can see how the place has deteriorated over the years and straight away, she could see she was going to have her work cut out for her trying to get it ready for sale. Meg is delighted when Betty an old friend and neighbour comes over to give a helping hand in the cleanup. Over the years Meg’s grandmother never told her anything about her family and for many years Meg has been left with unanswered questions. During the massive cleanup, Meg would learn of family secrets, but would these secrets help answer her questions.
The Missing Girl by Australian author Kerry McGinnis is a well-written story that I loved right from the start to the last page. I’ve read a few books by this author and have enjoyed all of them including this one. The descriptions in her books are beautiful and the storyline’s draw you in and before you know it you are turning the last page. Highly recommended.
July 30, 2021
So happy to have discovered this fantastic Australian author!
Oh, what a tangled web a family can weave! Set in the summer of 1990 in regional South Australia, the rundown Hunter's Reach Homestead location is vividly depicted.
The protagonist, Meg, is a beautiful character that was very easy to like, as was Betty, the one person who cared for her as a child. Meg grows up under the care of a grandmother from hell! She is cruel, cold and completely unlikable! I can definitely say that there is no way I would respond the way Meg did when summoned to pack up her grandmother's home. Meg’s partner, photographer Phillip, is a bit cliched, but he works in the bigger scheme of things.
The highlight for me is how the haunted past of key characters unravels and reveals long-hidden truths. The discovery of an aunt she never knew about, the power of small-town rumour and innuendo and the impact of a patriarch who runs rough-shod over everyone made this an engrossing read.
Emotional neglect, power, status, family bonds, heritage and forgiveness, are creatively intertwined.
Oh, what a tangled web a family can weave! Set in the summer of 1990 in regional South Australia, the rundown Hunter's Reach Homestead location is vividly depicted.
The protagonist, Meg, is a beautiful character that was very easy to like, as was Betty, the one person who cared for her as a child. Meg grows up under the care of a grandmother from hell! She is cruel, cold and completely unlikable! I can definitely say that there is no way I would respond the way Meg did when summoned to pack up her grandmother's home. Meg’s partner, photographer Phillip, is a bit cliched, but he works in the bigger scheme of things.
The highlight for me is how the haunted past of key characters unravels and reveals long-hidden truths. The discovery of an aunt she never knew about, the power of small-town rumour and innuendo and the impact of a patriarch who runs rough-shod over everyone made this an engrossing read.
Emotional neglect, power, status, family bonds, heritage and forgiveness, are creatively intertwined.
July 10, 2021
This was my first Kerry McGinnis book and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It is a rural fiction with a mystery and plenty of drama. The characters and the setting were vivid and brought the story to life. I will definately be looking out for more of this authors work - love finding a new Aussie author to read.
Meg is having a really bad run of things...her partner has gone overseas for work and she loses her job. The last thing she needs is a summons from her grandmother to visit her. Meg grew up with her grandmother, Ellie after her parents were killed and it wasn't a happy time in her life. But now Ellie is dying and needs Meg to pack up her house and her life for her. With nothing better to do she agrees and returns to Hunters Reach. She never imagines that she will learn her families deepest and darkest secrets in the process.
Ellie was just a cruel and nasty woman and it was really easy to dislike her. I did feel sorry for Meg, Ellie is her only family and despises her. I loved the friendships formed with Jake and Betty as they all worked to get the house ready for sale,
A great Aussie read, with the backdrop of the Adelaide Hills.
Meg is having a really bad run of things...her partner has gone overseas for work and she loses her job. The last thing she needs is a summons from her grandmother to visit her. Meg grew up with her grandmother, Ellie after her parents were killed and it wasn't a happy time in her life. But now Ellie is dying and needs Meg to pack up her house and her life for her. With nothing better to do she agrees and returns to Hunters Reach. She never imagines that she will learn her families deepest and darkest secrets in the process.
Ellie was just a cruel and nasty woman and it was really easy to dislike her. I did feel sorry for Meg, Ellie is her only family and despises her. I loved the friendships formed with Jake and Betty as they all worked to get the house ready for sale,
A great Aussie read, with the backdrop of the Adelaide Hills.
July 6, 2021
This is a page turner of a story, set in the Adelaide Hills, it tells the story of a family that has had terrible secrets kept for many years and when they are opened up some questions are answered for Meg, a must read story a lot of discoveries to be made.
Meg Morrissey is an only child and lives with her photographer partner Phillip in Hahndorf when a call comes through asking her to visit her elderly grandmother Elle Chapman, she has just moved from the family home Hunters Reach to a nursing home, although she would have rather ignored her order, but with Phillip away on an assignment and Meg just losing her job she makes the trek.
When Meg meets up with her grandmother she is tasked with cleaning up the old home ready for sale, this is going to be a big job and there is no love between Meg and Elle there never has been even though Elle bought Meg up from the age of nine. Meg will do it and is thrilled when her old friend and neighbour Betty arrives to help with the cleanup, the gardens are a mess and Meg organizes for someone to help with that and Jake Lynch is hired.
Phillip arrives back injured but there for her and Meg uncovers some photos and secret hiding places and makes her think even more about the question she has had since she was little why no one loves her and then discovers that there is a missing girl her mother’s twin sister and Jake steps up with information and an investigation is opened into the disappearance of Iris Chapman many years ago what they uncover goes a long way to answer some questions it is also heartbreaking.
This really is a fabulous story the characters are wonderful, Elle Chapman was a nasty lady, very and was giving nothing away, Betty, kind caring and there for Meg, Phillip a true hero I loved him and Jake he had been through so much because of The Chapmans but was still strong and then Meg what strength she showed through this unfurling of secrets and discoveries that changed a lot of things for her. This is a book that I would highly recommend I loved it from page one, so many twists.
My thanks to Penguin Random House for my ARC to read and review.
Meg Morrissey is an only child and lives with her photographer partner Phillip in Hahndorf when a call comes through asking her to visit her elderly grandmother Elle Chapman, she has just moved from the family home Hunters Reach to a nursing home, although she would have rather ignored her order, but with Phillip away on an assignment and Meg just losing her job she makes the trek.
When Meg meets up with her grandmother she is tasked with cleaning up the old home ready for sale, this is going to be a big job and there is no love between Meg and Elle there never has been even though Elle bought Meg up from the age of nine. Meg will do it and is thrilled when her old friend and neighbour Betty arrives to help with the cleanup, the gardens are a mess and Meg organizes for someone to help with that and Jake Lynch is hired.
Phillip arrives back injured but there for her and Meg uncovers some photos and secret hiding places and makes her think even more about the question she has had since she was little why no one loves her and then discovers that there is a missing girl her mother’s twin sister and Jake steps up with information and an investigation is opened into the disappearance of Iris Chapman many years ago what they uncover goes a long way to answer some questions it is also heartbreaking.
This really is a fabulous story the characters are wonderful, Elle Chapman was a nasty lady, very and was giving nothing away, Betty, kind caring and there for Meg, Phillip a true hero I loved him and Jake he had been through so much because of The Chapmans but was still strong and then Meg what strength she showed through this unfurling of secrets and discoveries that changed a lot of things for her. This is a book that I would highly recommend I loved it from page one, so many twists.
My thanks to Penguin Random House for my ARC to read and review.
July 27, 2021
*https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com
‘So why does nobody seem to know how she died, or where she’s buried? I thought Jake was crazy to suspect something, but I’m no longer so certain. It does make a weird sort of sense. People don’t just disappear.’
A gorgon grandmother, a racing mare named Meg and Australia’s 2020 bushfires all inspired The Missing Girl, the latest release from rural fiction novelist Kerry McGinnis. A tale of long buried secrets, societal rules, moral codes, family deception and the past defines the direction of The Missing Girl. I really enjoyed the chance to immerse myself in the mystery elements of this consuming new rural tale from Kerry McGinnis.
When we meet the lead character of The Missing Girl, we learn that Meg Morrissey has unfortunately lost her job. This sends Meg back to her Adelaide Hills family home. Meg’s grandmother waits for her at Hunter’s Reach, but even though she raised Meg, the two have a difficult relationship. When Meg reaches her old family home, she is shocked to discover that the property is up for sale. Meg is charged with the responsibility of caring for the house and its expansive grounds. While packing up the contents of the home, Meg revisits her difficult childhood, as her old family residence unveils secrets from the past. Two notable discoveries are made about an aunt Meg didn’t know existed, along with her mother’s twin sister. This shocks Meg to her very core and as she digs deeper into this family mystery, Meg uncovers a story involving a missing girl and a cruel act of concealment. As Meg begs her grandmother for answers, Meg knows it is up to her alone to expose the truth. As Meg inches closer and closer to the truth, the looming threat of bushfires draw near. Will this family finally be free of the betrayal and dark secrets that have surrounded them for years?
Australia’s voice of the bush returns with another rich land based tale, full of secrets and acts of betrayal. I consider myself a solid fan of Kerry McGinnis and her books. I have read and enjoyed most of this respected Australian novelist’s back list. I took The Missing Girl with me on a recent mini winter escape and I’m so glad I chose this book. The Missing Girl proved to be the perfect cold weather read.
The key location featured in this novel, the fictional town of Hunters Reach, is based in the Adelaide Hills region of South Australia. McGinnis has lived in this area for over forty years and this wealth of first-hand experience is utilised very well in The Missing Girl. As a result, we are presented with an authentic, credible and very vivid tale. I lapped up the generous landscape-based descriptions included in the main narrative. McGinnis has an implicit understanding of the land and life on the land, which is relayed with a strong sense of realism in The Missing Girl. Connected to this aspect of The Missing Girl is main character Meg’s work in revitalising the grounds of her family home. I appreciated the sequences that involved Meg’s work in restoring the gardens of her old home. I’m sure the keen gardeners out there will value this aspect of The Missing Girl.
Returning to her old home and packing up the contents of her family property kicks starts Meg’s investigation into some unanswered questions from her family’s past. I thought this area of the novel was intriguing and it compelled me to fly through the pages of The Missing Girl. The mystery of the girl, a well, unknown family members, a betrayal and a heartless act of self preservation marks this interesting family history. There are dark and unsettling elements to this area of the tale that kept me on my toes. Some components of the mystery side of the narrative proved to be quite unpredictable, while other areas were easier to guess. In general McGinnis tries to keep her audience in the dark, maintaining a strong line of suspense for as long as possible. I think McGinnis did a great job with this section of her novel, along with incorporating the rising threat of bushfires in the background, threatening to set everything alight.
With interesting characters who jump off the pages of this novel, The Missing Girl features plenty of drama, fractured relationships, friendships, emotional strains and serious situations for the cast to overcome. While Meg earns plenty of sympathy from the reader, her grandmother is a different kettle of fish! What a battle-axe this woman proved to be, but unlocking this character’s past secrets helps us to better understand her actions, but I still had trouble accepting her behaviour! The Missing Girl grinds to a startling conclusion, closing off this complicated multi-generational relationship tale in a satisfactory manner.
The Missing Girl is another rich Aussie yarn about family relationships and the land from a natural storyteller. Kerry McGinnis has produced a great story that I have no hesitation in recommending.
*I wish to thank Penguin Books Australia for providing me with a free copy of this book for review purposes.
The Missing Girl is book #69 of the 2021 Australian Women Writers Challenge
‘So why does nobody seem to know how she died, or where she’s buried? I thought Jake was crazy to suspect something, but I’m no longer so certain. It does make a weird sort of sense. People don’t just disappear.’
A gorgon grandmother, a racing mare named Meg and Australia’s 2020 bushfires all inspired The Missing Girl, the latest release from rural fiction novelist Kerry McGinnis. A tale of long buried secrets, societal rules, moral codes, family deception and the past defines the direction of The Missing Girl. I really enjoyed the chance to immerse myself in the mystery elements of this consuming new rural tale from Kerry McGinnis.
When we meet the lead character of The Missing Girl, we learn that Meg Morrissey has unfortunately lost her job. This sends Meg back to her Adelaide Hills family home. Meg’s grandmother waits for her at Hunter’s Reach, but even though she raised Meg, the two have a difficult relationship. When Meg reaches her old family home, she is shocked to discover that the property is up for sale. Meg is charged with the responsibility of caring for the house and its expansive grounds. While packing up the contents of the home, Meg revisits her difficult childhood, as her old family residence unveils secrets from the past. Two notable discoveries are made about an aunt Meg didn’t know existed, along with her mother’s twin sister. This shocks Meg to her very core and as she digs deeper into this family mystery, Meg uncovers a story involving a missing girl and a cruel act of concealment. As Meg begs her grandmother for answers, Meg knows it is up to her alone to expose the truth. As Meg inches closer and closer to the truth, the looming threat of bushfires draw near. Will this family finally be free of the betrayal and dark secrets that have surrounded them for years?
Australia’s voice of the bush returns with another rich land based tale, full of secrets and acts of betrayal. I consider myself a solid fan of Kerry McGinnis and her books. I have read and enjoyed most of this respected Australian novelist’s back list. I took The Missing Girl with me on a recent mini winter escape and I’m so glad I chose this book. The Missing Girl proved to be the perfect cold weather read.
The key location featured in this novel, the fictional town of Hunters Reach, is based in the Adelaide Hills region of South Australia. McGinnis has lived in this area for over forty years and this wealth of first-hand experience is utilised very well in The Missing Girl. As a result, we are presented with an authentic, credible and very vivid tale. I lapped up the generous landscape-based descriptions included in the main narrative. McGinnis has an implicit understanding of the land and life on the land, which is relayed with a strong sense of realism in The Missing Girl. Connected to this aspect of The Missing Girl is main character Meg’s work in revitalising the grounds of her family home. I appreciated the sequences that involved Meg’s work in restoring the gardens of her old home. I’m sure the keen gardeners out there will value this aspect of The Missing Girl.
Returning to her old home and packing up the contents of her family property kicks starts Meg’s investigation into some unanswered questions from her family’s past. I thought this area of the novel was intriguing and it compelled me to fly through the pages of The Missing Girl. The mystery of the girl, a well, unknown family members, a betrayal and a heartless act of self preservation marks this interesting family history. There are dark and unsettling elements to this area of the tale that kept me on my toes. Some components of the mystery side of the narrative proved to be quite unpredictable, while other areas were easier to guess. In general McGinnis tries to keep her audience in the dark, maintaining a strong line of suspense for as long as possible. I think McGinnis did a great job with this section of her novel, along with incorporating the rising threat of bushfires in the background, threatening to set everything alight.
With interesting characters who jump off the pages of this novel, The Missing Girl features plenty of drama, fractured relationships, friendships, emotional strains and serious situations for the cast to overcome. While Meg earns plenty of sympathy from the reader, her grandmother is a different kettle of fish! What a battle-axe this woman proved to be, but unlocking this character’s past secrets helps us to better understand her actions, but I still had trouble accepting her behaviour! The Missing Girl grinds to a startling conclusion, closing off this complicated multi-generational relationship tale in a satisfactory manner.
The Missing Girl is another rich Aussie yarn about family relationships and the land from a natural storyteller. Kerry McGinnis has produced a great story that I have no hesitation in recommending.
*I wish to thank Penguin Books Australia for providing me with a free copy of this book for review purposes.
The Missing Girl is book #69 of the 2021 Australian Women Writers Challenge
February 16, 2022
The plot twist was way to predictable, the relationships were lacking any feeling. And it actually made me mad that they replaced Irises name on the bracelet instead of just adding Margaret’s to the other side.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 9, 2021
This book was not at all what I was expecting… which is my fault, because I didn’t read the synopsis before starting it. Don’t let the title and cover fool you like I did, this is most definitely not a thriller. I’d describe it as a family saga with a side of mystery.
The Missing Girl follows Meg, a twenty something young woman who is estranged from her grandmother, yet has been tasked with packing up the family home in preparation for sale after her grandmother was moved into a nursing home. Returning to her childhood home makes her confront the question the question that has plagued her her whole life—why did no one love her as a child?
I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this book, considering that I’m not usually drawn to this genre and that I disliked most of the characters (with the exception of Betty and Jake). The story worked for me though. It was well plotted and I loved the rural setting and the secrets that were exposed as time went on.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from Penguin Australia to enable me to take part in the blog tour. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The Missing Girl follows Meg, a twenty something young woman who is estranged from her grandmother, yet has been tasked with packing up the family home in preparation for sale after her grandmother was moved into a nursing home. Returning to her childhood home makes her confront the question the question that has plagued her her whole life—why did no one love her as a child?
I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this book, considering that I’m not usually drawn to this genre and that I disliked most of the characters (with the exception of Betty and Jake). The story worked for me though. It was well plotted and I loved the rural setting and the secrets that were exposed as time went on.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from Penguin Australia to enable me to take part in the blog tour. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 7, 2021
This was just the perfect weekend read, I snuggled by the fire and flew through the pages.
It is a story about the darkest of family secrets, some buried the deepest.
Meg Morrissey returns to her family home of Hunters Reach in the picturesque Adelaide Hills at the insistence of her ailing grandmother, who raised her when she was orphaned as a child. There was no love lost between the two and Meg reluctantly assists with the sale of the property as her Grandmother has moved into a nursing home.
It is while packing up the contents of the house, that family secrets begin to become uncovered, and Meg learns more than she ever expected.
The Missing Girl was great family mystery, full of secrets and betrayal, I loved the setting, I could easily picture the old house and gardens as they were being brought back to life! This is out now here in Australia and is available in all formats.
It is a story about the darkest of family secrets, some buried the deepest.
Meg Morrissey returns to her family home of Hunters Reach in the picturesque Adelaide Hills at the insistence of her ailing grandmother, who raised her when she was orphaned as a child. There was no love lost between the two and Meg reluctantly assists with the sale of the property as her Grandmother has moved into a nursing home.
It is while packing up the contents of the house, that family secrets begin to become uncovered, and Meg learns more than she ever expected.
The Missing Girl was great family mystery, full of secrets and betrayal, I loved the setting, I could easily picture the old house and gardens as they were being brought back to life! This is out now here in Australia and is available in all formats.
November 6, 2021
2.5 ⭐️ - I found this book quite boring and didn’t enjoy the character development. I always felt distant from the characters and the plot was so humdrum. Only one major part stood out and even that was quite short lived for me and not developed to its full potential.
February 9, 2023
Second read for this year where the main character has had dreadful uncaring parents. In this case Margaret Morresy's parents had eyes only for themselves and just ignored her. With the death of both parents she ends up in the care of her grandmother, a real matriarch who immediately sends her off to boarding school, shelving the parenting responsibility. A lovely part of Australia, Hahndorf was originally settled by German immigrants and today still keeps its German heritage alive.
Maggie is working in Hahndorf but at the same time as her boss gives her bad news that she is closing the business she gets a phone call from a nursing home, unbeknown to her, her grandmother, Ellie is a resident there and on deciding to sell the large family home has instructed that Maggie come and live and prepare the house for sale. Through the difficulties with her grandmother Maggie hasn't kept in touch and the phone call takes her off guard.
Her grandmother is unrelenting in her demands of Maggie and as she is paying a good wage for her to do her bidding feels justified in any criticism of her including her sermon on "living in sin" with boyfriend Phillip who with his work is away. All is being handled by the solicitor who is aware of the past history of the family but even with this mind doesn't object to the local handyman, gardener Jake being employed to tend the large overgrown garden. Jake, as a young man, had been in love with Ellie's other daughter, Iris, who had disappeared due to her parents' objection to marrying Jake and to ensure he disappeared, they accused him of stealing from them. He spent time in prison but always denied the accusation. It's during the clean up that the timber and other material securing the open well is discovered to be in poor and dangerous condition. Checking the well out after the removal of the debris a skeleton is discovered. From here on the story takes the reader on a very different path with Maggie's deceased grandfather responsible and for both grandparents responsible for the damage of Jake's reputation. However, all ends well and the rightful family is reunited.
Maggie is working in Hahndorf but at the same time as her boss gives her bad news that she is closing the business she gets a phone call from a nursing home, unbeknown to her, her grandmother, Ellie is a resident there and on deciding to sell the large family home has instructed that Maggie come and live and prepare the house for sale. Through the difficulties with her grandmother Maggie hasn't kept in touch and the phone call takes her off guard.
Her grandmother is unrelenting in her demands of Maggie and as she is paying a good wage for her to do her bidding feels justified in any criticism of her including her sermon on "living in sin" with boyfriend Phillip who with his work is away. All is being handled by the solicitor who is aware of the past history of the family but even with this mind doesn't object to the local handyman, gardener Jake being employed to tend the large overgrown garden. Jake, as a young man, had been in love with Ellie's other daughter, Iris, who had disappeared due to her parents' objection to marrying Jake and to ensure he disappeared, they accused him of stealing from them. He spent time in prison but always denied the accusation. It's during the clean up that the timber and other material securing the open well is discovered to be in poor and dangerous condition. Checking the well out after the removal of the debris a skeleton is discovered. From here on the story takes the reader on a very different path with Maggie's deceased grandfather responsible and for both grandparents responsible for the damage of Jake's reputation. However, all ends well and the rightful family is reunited.
October 1, 2021
Already guessed the reveal halfway through the book so just felt that I was reading to validate my guess.
January 14, 2022
This was a bit slow and the mystery only appeared half way through although I guessed the twist very early on.
September 22, 2022
Predictable but enjoyable. An easy read.
July 15, 2021
I really enjoyed this.
It’s set in 1990 and I am always surprised by how different books set in 1990 feel. Many things have evolved so much since then, particularly technology. 1990 is an entirely different time, before the commonality of mobile phones, before the internet.
Meg is in her mid-20s and has successfully escaped a life dominated by people who didn’t care about her: her parents were always much more interested in each other than they were in her, their only child, and life was a rotation of boarding school and being left with her cold grandmother on school holidays. Her parents died when she was still relatively young and that meant her grandmother became solely responsible for her care. She did the bare minumin: Meg was fed, clothed and educated but she was always aware that there was never any love there and her grandmother was such a difficult woman that when Meg was able to leave, she did so without ever looking back. Now however, her grandmother has summoned her back to prepare her large house for sale and having recently lost her job, Meg doesn’t have a reason to say no and she can’t bring herself to either. She’s always been rather frightened of her grandmother and seemingly anxious to please her, despite this never being possible.
I found myself really drawn into this from the very beginning. I loved the setting (regional South Australia during the summer) with Meg cleaning out the old house, arranging to sell some of the antique furniture, dispose of her grandmother’s belongings and getting the garden into shape. Being back there brings the one person who did care about her as a child, Betty, back into her life as well as a taciturn man arranged to bring the garden up to scratch. The old house is beautiful and even though it’s not been the source of good memories for Meg, it does present an opportunity for her to be able to delve into the past and perhaps learn the answers to questions she’s always been too scared to ask.
Meg’s grandmother really is an unpleasant, bitter person and it’s not difficult to see why Meg hasn’t been back. Perhaps if I were Meg, I wouldn’t have even bothered to come back at all but Meg does feel some duty and she’s not doing anything else – and her grandmother, who is very wealthy, is willing to pay her. She’ll never be able to return to her home after a fall she recently took (she’s close to 89) and Meg’s partner, photographer Phillip is away on an assignment in Papua New Guinea. When Meg has to contact him, she has no phone number for him so she has to ring his editor with a message for him to relay to Phillip when Phillip gets in contact with his editor. Phillip often travels to remote places and without a 24 hour news cycle, Meg tends to remain blissfully oblivious of potential hazards of Phillip’s job. After a natural disaster, Phillip does turn up at the house to convalesce – and help in his own way, providing the sort of stoic, unwavering support, kindness and love that few people have ever shown her in her life.
I admired Meg for going back there and for having the courage to dig into the past for answers when the entire family had never treated her very well. What she discovers is a big shock – but also goes a long way to explaining quite a lot of her treatment (although to be honest, not all of it). No one should ever have to experience the sort of upbringing that she did and Betty provided the only solace in what was a very lonely and miserable existence. Some of the twists I guessed, others I did not and I appreciated each reveal as it came. The tension in the novel grows with the threat of a looming bushfire and as with many people it’s not until the danger is right on top of them that they realise just how serious the situation is.
I was really invested in Meg learning the story of her origins and past and her getting all the answers she needed that might help give her some closure – to be able to move forward without her life being shadowed by her feelings of abandonment and emotional neglect. And it was very well done, I ended up reading this in a single sitting.
***A copy of this book was provided by the publisher for the purpose of an honest review***
It’s set in 1990 and I am always surprised by how different books set in 1990 feel. Many things have evolved so much since then, particularly technology. 1990 is an entirely different time, before the commonality of mobile phones, before the internet.
Meg is in her mid-20s and has successfully escaped a life dominated by people who didn’t care about her: her parents were always much more interested in each other than they were in her, their only child, and life was a rotation of boarding school and being left with her cold grandmother on school holidays. Her parents died when she was still relatively young and that meant her grandmother became solely responsible for her care. She did the bare minumin: Meg was fed, clothed and educated but she was always aware that there was never any love there and her grandmother was such a difficult woman that when Meg was able to leave, she did so without ever looking back. Now however, her grandmother has summoned her back to prepare her large house for sale and having recently lost her job, Meg doesn’t have a reason to say no and she can’t bring herself to either. She’s always been rather frightened of her grandmother and seemingly anxious to please her, despite this never being possible.
I found myself really drawn into this from the very beginning. I loved the setting (regional South Australia during the summer) with Meg cleaning out the old house, arranging to sell some of the antique furniture, dispose of her grandmother’s belongings and getting the garden into shape. Being back there brings the one person who did care about her as a child, Betty, back into her life as well as a taciturn man arranged to bring the garden up to scratch. The old house is beautiful and even though it’s not been the source of good memories for Meg, it does present an opportunity for her to be able to delve into the past and perhaps learn the answers to questions she’s always been too scared to ask.
Meg’s grandmother really is an unpleasant, bitter person and it’s not difficult to see why Meg hasn’t been back. Perhaps if I were Meg, I wouldn’t have even bothered to come back at all but Meg does feel some duty and she’s not doing anything else – and her grandmother, who is very wealthy, is willing to pay her. She’ll never be able to return to her home after a fall she recently took (she’s close to 89) and Meg’s partner, photographer Phillip is away on an assignment in Papua New Guinea. When Meg has to contact him, she has no phone number for him so she has to ring his editor with a message for him to relay to Phillip when Phillip gets in contact with his editor. Phillip often travels to remote places and without a 24 hour news cycle, Meg tends to remain blissfully oblivious of potential hazards of Phillip’s job. After a natural disaster, Phillip does turn up at the house to convalesce – and help in his own way, providing the sort of stoic, unwavering support, kindness and love that few people have ever shown her in her life.
I admired Meg for going back there and for having the courage to dig into the past for answers when the entire family had never treated her very well. What she discovers is a big shock – but also goes a long way to explaining quite a lot of her treatment (although to be honest, not all of it). No one should ever have to experience the sort of upbringing that she did and Betty provided the only solace in what was a very lonely and miserable existence. Some of the twists I guessed, others I did not and I appreciated each reveal as it came. The tension in the novel grows with the threat of a looming bushfire and as with many people it’s not until the danger is right on top of them that they realise just how serious the situation is.
I was really invested in Meg learning the story of her origins and past and her getting all the answers she needed that might help give her some closure – to be able to move forward without her life being shadowed by her feelings of abandonment and emotional neglect. And it was very well done, I ended up reading this in a single sitting.
***A copy of this book was provided by the publisher for the purpose of an honest review***
June 12, 2022
Solid read, loved the characters. Easy to pick up and put down
November 4, 2023
I usually guess a plot twist in advance but did not see this one coming!! Excellent story. Thoroughly enjoyed it.
July 5, 2021
Summonsed back to her estranged Grandmothers homestead to clean it up and prepare it for sale was a bitter sweet experience for Meg.
Rekindling any type of relationship was not on the cards for either Meg or her abrasive Grandmother.
A rich rural family’s secrets, arrogance and skeletons in the closet about to spill.
The lack of love or affection Ellie had for her granddaughter was astonishing.
A harsh and prickly nature governed her persona and made her very unlikeable.
Even as death nears she was not interested in redemption or healing the wounds.
Meg, dutiful and diligent acted on her grandmother’s wishes to clean out the house. A place that represented miserable memories in her childhood.
Reacquainting with her a sweet neighbour and enlisting the help of a gardener she embarks on the task at hand.
Clues about the past emerge and the disappearance of her Aunt many years ago becomes a focus point.
If only the walls could talk.
Truth about her treacherous and cruel grandfather paint a picture of the life at the homestead.
Discoveries both inside and outside also reveal characteristics of love lost and patriarchal dominance.
An engaging and explosive story that does slightly plateau at the end had me on the edge of my seat.
The author, even though carefully instilling a dislike for the old lady plants subtle clues that shows she had a tiny sliver of love in her iron clad heart.
The dry crackling heat and the imminent danger of bush fire atmospherically enhance the setting.
A rural suspense that should not be missed.
Rekindling any type of relationship was not on the cards for either Meg or her abrasive Grandmother.
A rich rural family’s secrets, arrogance and skeletons in the closet about to spill.
The lack of love or affection Ellie had for her granddaughter was astonishing.
A harsh and prickly nature governed her persona and made her very unlikeable.
Even as death nears she was not interested in redemption or healing the wounds.
Meg, dutiful and diligent acted on her grandmother’s wishes to clean out the house. A place that represented miserable memories in her childhood.
Reacquainting with her a sweet neighbour and enlisting the help of a gardener she embarks on the task at hand.
Clues about the past emerge and the disappearance of her Aunt many years ago becomes a focus point.
If only the walls could talk.
Truth about her treacherous and cruel grandfather paint a picture of the life at the homestead.
Discoveries both inside and outside also reveal characteristics of love lost and patriarchal dominance.
An engaging and explosive story that does slightly plateau at the end had me on the edge of my seat.
The author, even though carefully instilling a dislike for the old lady plants subtle clues that shows she had a tiny sliver of love in her iron clad heart.
The dry crackling heat and the imminent danger of bush fire atmospherically enhance the setting.
A rural suspense that should not be missed.
January 19, 2024
Quite a nice cosy mystery set in South Australia, at the height of the bushfire season. Margaret comes "home" to her grandmothers house to help get it ready for sale as Grandma is in a Nursing Home and won't be going back to the house.
Whilst clearing out the furniture a few clues come to light about her parentage.
A secret the grandma has kept to herself.
A semi surprising ending and all the ends are ties up nicely.
Whilst clearing out the furniture a few clues come to light about her parentage.
A secret the grandma has kept to herself.
A semi surprising ending and all the ends are ties up nicely.
August 9, 2023
This rating was hard because while I did enjoy reading this book, I don’t actually think it was very good. The plot was very weak, with the story surrounding the missing girl of the title almost non existent. The “mystery” wasn’t even discovered until at least half way through, and even if this wasn’t meant to be a thriller or a mystery, the lack of clues or evidence was incredibly frustrating. The characters basically looked at two very weak clues and made an entire decision about it. They touched everything, moved everything and then the police decided not to bother investigating because their main suspect was dead, so they all dropped it.
Everyone lacked motivation, the grandmother was so nasty but there seemed to be no reason for it except that she was bitter and mean. Meg cleaned the house and sorted everything purely because she had nothing else to do.
The twist was obvious, and while I don’t think a twist has to be a surprise to be good, it was so obvious I had no idea why it took so long for Meg to figure it out. I expect she didn’t purely because she has no drive as a person to do anything except be moved around from one space to another like a doll. She didn’t try to find out about her history or her family, she was content to be whacked over the head with plot as it arrived and to clean windows in the meantime.
The writing style was not my taste, and I thought it was incredibly stilted and awkward. Being from megs perspective meant that as a character she came off as stilted and awkward too. The author used phrases like “… “ my beloved said” instead of just using the guys name which was so weird that it pulled me from the story each time. It was like she wanted to convince us Meg and Phillip really were in love, by having Meg refer to him as her beloved all the time. Finding out Meg was only 26 was jarring because of this.
Also a pet peeve because another reviewer mentioned it as well, why erase Iris’ name from the bracelet?? Put megs name on the other side, it’s the only thing she has! Although Meg was so aloof and unconcerned about her complete lack of family that she probably didn’t care. She had no emotional depth and so none of the revelations impacted her in any way, adapting so completely that you’d thing she had incredible coping skills.
Mostly I enjoyed this book because it read like a very old one published in the forties or something, where they do lots of baking and gardening and occasionally something happens. So I was incredibly shocked to find this was published in 2021. But otherwise it wasn’t a great book and I wouldn’t recommend it.
Everyone lacked motivation, the grandmother was so nasty but there seemed to be no reason for it except that she was bitter and mean. Meg cleaned the house and sorted everything purely because she had nothing else to do.
The twist was obvious, and while I don’t think a twist has to be a surprise to be good, it was so obvious I had no idea why it took so long for Meg to figure it out. I expect she didn’t purely because she has no drive as a person to do anything except be moved around from one space to another like a doll. She didn’t try to find out about her history or her family, she was content to be whacked over the head with plot as it arrived and to clean windows in the meantime.
The writing style was not my taste, and I thought it was incredibly stilted and awkward. Being from megs perspective meant that as a character she came off as stilted and awkward too. The author used phrases like “… “ my beloved said” instead of just using the guys name which was so weird that it pulled me from the story each time. It was like she wanted to convince us Meg and Phillip really were in love, by having Meg refer to him as her beloved all the time. Finding out Meg was only 26 was jarring because of this.
Also a pet peeve because another reviewer mentioned it as well, why erase Iris’ name from the bracelet?? Put megs name on the other side, it’s the only thing she has! Although Meg was so aloof and unconcerned about her complete lack of family that she probably didn’t care. She had no emotional depth and so none of the revelations impacted her in any way, adapting so completely that you’d thing she had incredible coping skills.
Mostly I enjoyed this book because it read like a very old one published in the forties or something, where they do lots of baking and gardening and occasionally something happens. So I was incredibly shocked to find this was published in 2021. But otherwise it wasn’t a great book and I wouldn’t recommend it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 19, 2021
- thanks to @penguinbooksaus for my #gifted copy
The Missing Girl was my first time reading Australian author Kerry McGinnis, and I can safely admit I went into it without great expectations. As usual, I started reading this novel without checking the blurb, so I had no idea about absolutely anything beforehand. However, I must remark the cover it’s a bit misleading: this story is not a Thriller. Instead, I would classify it as a Drama with a touch of Mystery. Of course, this is only my fault, as I cannot blame anyone for my personal perception and the expectations that the cover provoked.
I struggled with getting into the story. For the first one hundred pages or so, nothing remarkable happens apart from observing Meg cleaning up her grandmother house. After that, the plot develops at a pretty slow pace, so I honestly didn’t feel invested in the story until about three quarters in and with the ending around the corner.
Although I cannot say the major plot twist was absurdly predictable, I still managed to see it coming. I truly do not believe this is a fault: I think it is a matter of the ability to predict twists I have developed after reading probably hundreds of Thrillers and Mysteries. It is almost impossible to write something never-seen-before nowadays.
I also had some issues connecting with the characters. I cannot understand the purpose of Meg’s grandmother as a character, even after the end and somehow understand ‘why’ she was so awful. Unfortunately, the justification wasn’t enough for me.
The characterisation was somehow quite superficial, as Meg was an exceptionally bland character with two personality traits at most. I also think the author missed the opportunity to create more impact with her characters, given they all go through rough moments, yet no one seems to react to grief in the most expectable ways.
Overall, The Missing Girl was not my cup of tea. I couldn’t find myself invested enough in the storylines nor the characters, and after predicting the major plot twist, there was not much left to enjoy. Unfortunately, the novel did not impact as much as it could have.
The Missing Girl was my first time reading Australian author Kerry McGinnis, and I can safely admit I went into it without great expectations. As usual, I started reading this novel without checking the blurb, so I had no idea about absolutely anything beforehand. However, I must remark the cover it’s a bit misleading: this story is not a Thriller. Instead, I would classify it as a Drama with a touch of Mystery. Of course, this is only my fault, as I cannot blame anyone for my personal perception and the expectations that the cover provoked.
I struggled with getting into the story. For the first one hundred pages or so, nothing remarkable happens apart from observing Meg cleaning up her grandmother house. After that, the plot develops at a pretty slow pace, so I honestly didn’t feel invested in the story until about three quarters in and with the ending around the corner.
Although I cannot say the major plot twist was absurdly predictable, I still managed to see it coming. I truly do not believe this is a fault: I think it is a matter of the ability to predict twists I have developed after reading probably hundreds of Thrillers and Mysteries. It is almost impossible to write something never-seen-before nowadays.
I also had some issues connecting with the characters. I cannot understand the purpose of Meg’s grandmother as a character, even after the end and somehow understand ‘why’ she was so awful. Unfortunately, the justification wasn’t enough for me.
The characterisation was somehow quite superficial, as Meg was an exceptionally bland character with two personality traits at most. I also think the author missed the opportunity to create more impact with her characters, given they all go through rough moments, yet no one seems to react to grief in the most expectable ways.
Overall, The Missing Girl was not my cup of tea. I couldn’t find myself invested enough in the storylines nor the characters, and after predicting the major plot twist, there was not much left to enjoy. Unfortunately, the novel did not impact as much as it could have.
August 2, 2025
Well this book is certainly not what I expected. I’m not in the habit of reading the back cover of books as I want to fully encapsulate the storyline only as I read between the covers. From the title I was expecting a thriller, suspense. It turns out to be a murder mystery. I really did enjoy the read and the pace of the story kept me interested, waiting for a twist. It didn’t disappoint. However I did find it a bit mind boggling at the finale. I find it hard to piece together family titles/relationships but that maybe just me. Hats off and a bow to Kerry McGinnis, a great author.
September 19, 2024
I really enjoyed The Missing Girl by Kerry McGinnis. It starts out as a 'cozy' read but you are given enough clues along the way to keep you interested and pondering the big mystery.
Without giving it all away, there is plenty of drama and suspense.
I gave it less stars only for the fact that I felt the ending was not as I expected and somehow left me wanting more.
Without giving it all away, there is plenty of drama and suspense.
I gave it less stars only for the fact that I felt the ending was not as I expected and somehow left me wanting more.
June 27, 2021
RTC upon 3rd July, my tour spot for the Penguin Books Australia blog tour.
Much, much reflecting needed upon finishing this one, methinks.
Much, much reflecting needed upon finishing this one, methinks.
December 6, 2021
3.5stars
The story was fine, but lacking depth I thought. My first book by this author, but there are other Aussie Authors I like better.
The story was fine, but lacking depth I thought. My first book by this author, but there are other Aussie Authors I like better.
February 7, 2022
The storyline was quiet boring and each chapter seemed to be repetitive. Very disappointing👎👎
February 4, 2024
Wasn't drawing me in from the start. Skipped through the pages to see if it may change my point of view. It didn't.
October 25, 2021
The Missing Girl by Australian author Kerry McGinnis is a is a mystery rural fiction with plenty of drama.
Set in the summer of 1990, Margaret (Meg) Morrissey, in her twenties lives in Hahndorf, South Australia, her photojournalist boyfriend Phillip has left to go on assignment overseas not sure when he will return, to make matters worse Meg suddenly finds herself out of work. When she receives a phone call from Susan Pickering, the manager of Woodfell House Nursing Home informing her, her grandmother Elle was there after a fall suffering a hip fracture, she is quite shocked as she had been estranged from her grandmother for many years. When she was 9 years old Meg lived with Elle after her parents passed away, she grew up in a home with no love and the relationship between them was quite troublesome. Elle summons Meg back to Hunters Reach in the Adelaide Hills, feeling lost and vulnerable with nothing going on in her life she somberly obliges.
When Meg arrives, Elle informs her she is selling the family home and gives her instructions to pack up the contents, restore the house to its former condition and maintain the sweeping garden. Meg is overwhelmed but begins the laborious task, she hires Jake Lynch to help with the garden who knows more about her family than she thinks. Her best friend and former neighbour Betty living on a farm close by arrives and offers to help. After being in an accident Phillip returns home injured and travels to Hunters Reach to support Meg. As she sorts through her grandmother’s belongings, she discovers hidden secrets of the past. Family mysteries slowly unravel, and the full story comes together.
Meg is a strong-willed and tenacious woman, for someone that grew up with no love and support she had the ability to still help others and form healthy and meaningful relationships. I enjoyed Betty’s character, her friendship never wavered, and she came through for Meg when needed and made a big difference when difficulties arose as did Jake and Phillip. Elle was mean and cold which will influence many negative reactions, she is a character the reader will immediately dislike, Meg was a gem putting up with her behaviour.
I live in Adelaide, so visions were very clear of the gorgeous landscapes and places mentioned, I loved how Kerry seamlessly incorporates real-life events such as the 2020 bushfires into the story, it added an extra layer of authenticity to the narrative.
The author writes in a flowing, smooth manner, with twists and turns along the way. One of the book's best aspects is how past experiences in the characters’ lives influence current perspectives. The story is filled with heart-warming and heartbreaking moments of abandonment, struggles, grief, and joy. Throughout the story, the messages of hope and strength of the human spirit prevail.
Thank you, Beauty and Lace, and Penguin Australia Pty Ltd for the opportunity to read and review.
July 5, 2021
I really enjoyed this story of Meg returning home as she has been summoned by her ailing Grandmother who wants to employ her to tidy and dispose of everything in her house and put it on the market. Meg lost her parents in a plane crash many years before and was brought up by her grandparents in what was not a happy childhood. As she had just lost her job the timing was great and it would help fill in her time.
What she discovers is that there are so many secrets and the finding of secret compartments in furniture reveal much more about her family. Add to this her partner is involved in a landslide and returns to help her. A gardener needs to be employed to get things into shape ready to sell and Meg discovers he too had a secret past.
I don't know why it has taken me this long to discover this Australian author. The book was so engrossing and really showcased the era and small town living in rural South Australia with the challenges of the climate and living on a rural property. I devoured it, and would recommend it to anyone who likes rural fiction and family stories.
Thank you to Penguin Australia for the complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I will definitely be looking at her back titles to read in the future.
What she discovers is that there are so many secrets and the finding of secret compartments in furniture reveal much more about her family. Add to this her partner is involved in a landslide and returns to help her. A gardener needs to be employed to get things into shape ready to sell and Meg discovers he too had a secret past.
I don't know why it has taken me this long to discover this Australian author. The book was so engrossing and really showcased the era and small town living in rural South Australia with the challenges of the climate and living on a rural property. I devoured it, and would recommend it to anyone who likes rural fiction and family stories.
Thank you to Penguin Australia for the complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I will definitely be looking at her back titles to read in the future.
August 8, 2021
Families aren't always the loving embrace they should be.
Meg Morrissey has never felt loved by her family. Her parents never seemed interested in her, and after they died when she was ten, her grandmother, Ellie Chapman, certainly had no love or time for her, and packed her off to boarding school.
When Meg is summonsed by her grandmother to pack up the family home, Hunters Reach, she resentfully attends out of a sense of familial duty, even though she had not stayed in contact with her grandmother, nor does she have fond memories of the house she spent her school holidays in as a child.
Ellie Chapman is a nasty, bitter woman whose sharp tongue has won her no friends over the years. She treats Meg like she is an intrusion even though she is the only family she has left.
What ensues is the unraveling of a family mystery that is shocking to say the least. Written in an engaging way, that makes you feel amongst the characters and the story, I enjoyed this book and the setting.
Meg Morrissey has never felt loved by her family. Her parents never seemed interested in her, and after they died when she was ten, her grandmother, Ellie Chapman, certainly had no love or time for her, and packed her off to boarding school.
When Meg is summonsed by her grandmother to pack up the family home, Hunters Reach, she resentfully attends out of a sense of familial duty, even though she had not stayed in contact with her grandmother, nor does she have fond memories of the house she spent her school holidays in as a child.
Ellie Chapman is a nasty, bitter woman whose sharp tongue has won her no friends over the years. She treats Meg like she is an intrusion even though she is the only family she has left.
What ensues is the unraveling of a family mystery that is shocking to say the least. Written in an engaging way, that makes you feel amongst the characters and the story, I enjoyed this book and the setting.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews