With Force of Nature at the cinema, it seemed timely to pick up the third and final novel in the Aaron Falk series, Exiles.
The federal agent, played by Eric Bana in the movies, is visiting South Australian wine country in his new role as godfather to his mate’s kid. At this gathering, Falk is drawn into the beautiful scenery and lifestyle on display all around him.
Yet something is amiss in the small town.
One year ago, another friend, Kim Gillespie disappeared at the region’s annual food and wine festival. Kim’s baby was discovered alone in her pram at the end of the night, but Kim was never seen again.
Now, as Falk spends time with this tight-knit group of friends, he develops a relationship with a single mum, Gemma, whose husband was killed several years before, in an ‘accident’ that was never properly investigated. This new romance brings a touch of lightness to a crime story that delves into some otherwise heavy issues.
As Falk is seduced by his romance with Gemma, the appeal of the wine country lifestyle, and the blessings of friendship, he begins to step back from his Melbourne life.
This change of focus makes Exiles a little different from your typical Aussie crime fiction. By the end, it’s clear that Harper intends Exiles to be the last book in the Aaron Falk cannon. Personally, I feel it’s a bit premature to farewell Falk; he still has plenty of room for growth before he gets his happily ever after.
-Katrina Roe, RRL Administration Centre
