The Survivors

by Jane Harper

Flatiron Books

Publication Date : February 2, 2021

Pages : 384

Synopsis From Publisher :

Kieran Elliott's life changed forever on the day a reckless mistake led to devastating consequences.

The guilt that still haunts him resurfaces during a visit with his young family to the small coastal community he once called home.

Kieran's parents are struggling in a town where fortunes are forged by the sea. Between them all is his absent brother, Finn.

When a body is discovered on the beach, long-held secrets threaten to emerge. A sunken wreck, a missing girl, and questions that have never washed away...

In September of 2017, I read Jane Harper’s debut novel The Dry. I was instantly hooked on Harper’s immersive and captivating stories of long-held secrets, suspense and family drama. Since 2017 I have eagerly awaited every year for a new release from Harper. 

Kieran Elliot returns home to Evelyn Bay, a small town on the island of Tasmania. Twelve years ago, Kiernan made a mistake which devastated him and his family. Accompanying Kieran are his girlfriend Mia and their baby Audrey. Trips home are always difficult for Kieran as the entire town is aware of the Elliot family tragedy. When a young woman goes missing during Kieran’s visit, the town begins to turn on each other, rehashing old rumors and opening old wounds. 

The missing young woman is named Bronte. She worked as a waitress in the local bar/restaurant. Bronte did not grow up in Evelyn Bay, she was visiting for the summer to draw inspiration for her artistry from the town. Her death shocks the town, some suspecting an unknown outsider as the murder. I have read many stories of murders taking place in a small town; however I am always shocked by how quickly the residents turn on each other. Families who have known each other for decades now see each other as potential murders. Forever damaging trust and relationships. This aspect was particularly jarring in The Survivors because of Evelyn Bay’s dark history. Rather than tragedies pulling the community closer together, it made the community become even more fractured.

A century ago, the SS Mary Mirerva capsized, killing fifty-four passengers and crew. The wreckage of the ship now resides in the waters on the shores of Evelyn Bay. The wreckage is also an attraction for local and tourist divers alike. One of Kieran’s oldest friends Sean, owns and operates a boat which offers underwater tours of the wreckage.  Above the waters of Evelyn Bay stands a statue of 3 people, the statue pays tribute to those who lost their lives aboard the SS Mary Mirerva. Named The Survivors, the statue also serves as a reminder of high tide. I found myself immediately drawn to The Survivors statue. How hard it must be to live in a town made popular by such a tragic event. Although the shores of Evelyn Bay are beautiful, one only has to look out upon the water and be reminded of the calamity. The capsizing of the SS Mary Mirerva is one of two catastrophes Evelyn Bay has endured. There is a dark cloud which hangs over Evelyn Bay. Readers will be completely immersed in the beauty as well as the darkness within the small community.  

Harper’s hypnotic style of writing will enable readers to hear the waves crashing and smell the ocean. Her books consistently allow readers to find themselves transported to wherever the story takes place. Harper expertly uses the climate and atmosphere to create mystique and suspense. This aspect is always what I look forward to most when starting a book by Harper. The Survivors is no exception.

Although I enjoyed The Survivors, it is not my favorite of Harper’s. The Survivors for sure had it’s moments of cliffhangers and suspense. However, The Survivors lacked the tension of her previous books. However, the lack of tension does not affect my overall rating of The Survivors. I did not guess the conclusion and I found it hard to put the book down. Readers looking for a mesmerizing and atmospheric read should add The Survivors to their list of must reads.

*Thanks to Flatiron Books for my free review copy of the The Survivors.*

Murder and More Rating:

4.5 out of 5 Stars