Jane Harper’s Exiles captivates with its intricate plotting and vivid depiction of an Australian community, yet it is occasionally weighed down by a slow pacing. The novel’s strengths lie in character development and atmosphere, though some readers may find the resolution less impactful compared to Harper's previous works. Overall, it is a compelling addition to her repertoire.

Readers who relish atmospheric crime thrillers will enjoy Jane Harper's Exiles. Those captivated by the intricate plotting and rich characterizations in Tana French's The Dublin Murder Squad series or the nuanced narrative style of Gillian Flynn’s Gone Girl will find Harper's work equally compelling. Ideal for fans of detailed mysteries set in evocative locales.

Exiles by Jane Harper follows detective Aaron Falk’s unofficial investigation into the disappearance of Kim Gillespie, who vanished during a food and wine festival in Marralee, Southern Australia. A year later, Falk is drawn into the case while visiting for a friend's son's christening. As he uncovers truths about Kim’s missing status and an unsolved hit-and-run, Falk reveals hidden depths of betrayal and deceit. The book includes themes of domestic abuse, suicide, and murder.

Mysterious / Suspenseful / Contemplative / Emotional

- Exiles features Jane Harper's well-known protagonist, Aaron Falk, who has appeared in her previous novels such as The Dry and Force of Nature, forming part of a loosely connected series.
- The book is set in a small Australian town, showcasing Harper's signature style of weaving suspense with the rich atmospheric landscape of rural Australia.
- Jane Harper is renowned for her meticulous research and attention to detail, making the settings and cultural nuances in Exiles both authentic and immersive.

**Aaron Falk**  
A detective with the Australian Federal Police, known for his expertise in financial crimes and spreadsheets. He is the protagonist, characterized as tall, fortysomething, and deeply connected to his work and community.

**Greg Raco**  
A police sergeant in Kiewarra and Falk’s closest friend, seen as trustworthy and reliable. He is part of a police family and plays a significant role in Falk's investigations.

**Rita Raco**  
Greg Raco's wife and part of the supportive Raco family.

**Eva Raco**  
The five-year-old daughter of Greg and Rita Raco and Henry's older sister.

**Henry Raco**  
The infant son of Greg and Rita Raco and godson to Aaron Falk.

**Charlie Raco**  
Greg’s older brother, who runs Penvale Vineyard. He is important to the storyline through his connection to several other characters.

**Zara Raco**  
Charlie’s daughter, who is 17 years old and lives with her father, Charlie.

**Rohan Gillespie**  
Kim’s husband who lives in Adelaide and displays a brooding personality, marked by his sleep-deprived appearance.

**Kim Gillespie**  
The subject of the novel’s main mystery, who disappeared at 39 years old. She has a significant familial and interpersonal background linked to various characters.

**Gemma Tozer**  
Falk’s romantic interest, she is a resident of Marralee and the festival director. She is connected to various characters and has a history of living and working abroad.

**Joel Tozer**  
Gemma's stepson, who works at the festival’s first-aid post and is preparing to attend university.

**Dean Tozer**  
Gemma's late husband, whose death in a hit-and-run accident forms the secondary mystery of the novel.

**R. Dwyer**  
A sergeant characterized as good with locals. He has a personal storyline revolving around his daughter Caitlin, who is deceased.

**Naomi Kerr**  
A local GP and Henry’s godmother, described as confident and fit. She has past and ongoing connections with several characters.

**Shane McAfee**  
A former AFL player, struggling with personal issues, who works at Charlie's vineyard and coaches the local football team.

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Aaron Falk

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