This mystery takes place in a small town in Australia. During a Food and Wine festival, a woman goes missing leaving behind her daughter in a stroller. People in the community that were at the festival are questioned but no one claims to have seen her leave. Aaron Falk gets involved in the case while visiting friends in the town, offering a fresh set of eyes. I really like Officer Falk. He is portrayed as a thorough investigator even though he has a lot going on in his life. He wrestles with his career and his love life. I liked the close-knit community and the setting. Some believe the mother committed suicide but her older daughter knows her mother would never abandon her baby. Even though there is not a lot of action, there is a lot to think about.

I received an Advanced reader copy of the audiobook from Netgalley. The narration is excellent! The story is complicated. There are many key players and I was starting to mix them up. Once I was able to keep them straight it made more sense. The premise of a missing woman and then looking back at the last year. The ending will surprise you!

3.5 stars for a well-written book that delivered on atmosphere and evoked a picturesque setting, but missed when it came to delivering much punch or thrill. Jane Harper is unquestionably skilled at composing a story, and is well-known for creating slow-burn mysteries. "Exiles," however, gave "slow" a new meaning for me. While its languid pacing seemed fitting for a festival in the Australian wine country, it left me feeling like I was slogging through the book more than I would expect from a thriller. While the pacing did eventually pick up, I was tempted to put it in my DNF stack, and I found it harder to connect to the characters than I had hoped. This is one area where I felt the problem might lie within me and not the book itself, as this was my first Aaron Falk novel. While the mysteries within can certainly work in a standalone novel, I think I would have felt more of an immediate connection to the characters were I not jumping in mid-stride. Recognizing that, I'm rounding up my rating, as a nod to the fact that I came into this novel knowing less than the author would have preferred. If you're patient, this book will deliver.

Thank you Netgalley for the advance audiobook copy of Exiles by Jane Harper in exchange for an honest review. This is book three in the series and the first I've read. It can definitely be read as a standalone novel, but I got very invested in the characters and now wants to read the previous. I really enjoyed the storyline and the scenery.

Thanks to Netgalley I was able to review the audiobook, rounded up from 2.5. I hadn't read the first two in the series, but don't think I missed anything by not. I expected the story to be more suspenseful and I definitely would't consider it a thriller. Too slow moving and too much of a love story for me.

I’ll be honest, I don’t remember any details from the first two Aaron Falk novels. I remember that I liked them. But that’s about it! Luckily this book can stand on its own without having read the previous two in the series.

Exiles had a very slow start for me. I almost lost interest, and if it were an author I didn’t know and whose work I hadn’t previously enjoyed, I may have DNFed. But I could feel the story building up to something big, and I wanted to know what it was.

Once the plot picked up, I couldn’t stop listening. I had no idea where the story was going, so I was very pleased with the end.

A great third installment!

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for an audio ARC of Exiles in exchange for an honest review.

Federal investigator Aaron Falk has traveled to Australia's wine country for the christening of his godson and to attend the areas premiere wine festival. At the same festival one year before, Kim Gillespie, vanished abandoning her baby daughter in a stroller. No one has seen or heard from her since, that includes her teenage daughter from a previous relationship who is desperate to keep her mother's memory alive and try and solve her disappearance. As Falk begins to observe the town and friends he realizes that Kim going missing is not the only unsolved crime in the area, but are they related or just a unfortunate coincidence?

I really enjoy Jane Harper's writing and this is my second Aaron Falk novel so I was excited to receive a copy of the newest edition, but it does hold up as a stand alone. I like the way Haper unfolds the mystery from Falk's perspective and the ability he has to step back and observe the situation and characters in a new way. The pace of the store is good with intriguing unfolding as the story moves along, including a slow burn romance for Falk. The story is mostly told from Falk's POV but switches at the end to wrap things up. I wish it had stuck with him and was solved another way. Yes, a few things are a bit predictable but over all it is an enjoyable mystery.

I had the audio version read by Stephen Shanahan who was enjoyable to listen to and kept the story moving well. I would listen to more of his work.

My sole regret in listening to Exiles‘ twelve hours is that I neglected to read The Dry and Force Of Nature, both still nestled in my TBR. Gah, this was good, though I couldn’t for the life of me figure out why for the first oh ten or so hours. As I listened to the final two, it hit me: I had experienced one of the most elaborate, meandering premises I’d ever read, taken in, bamboozled, yet the whole time I was smugly making assumptions about who, what, where, and why. Having come to the end, I have to decide: did I just read something I can throw the “contrived” criticism at, or something utterly clever, brilliant, and compelling? For starters, let’s offer the publisher’s blurb to get some narrative details out of the way:

Federal Investigator Aaron Falk is on his way to a small town deep in Southern Australian wine country for the christening of an old friend’s baby. But mystery follows him, even on vacation.

This weekend marks the one-year anniversary of Kim Gillespie’s disappearance. One year ago, at a busy town festival on a warm spring night, Kim safely tucked her sleeping baby into her stroller, then vanished into the crowd. No one has seen her since. When Kim’s older daughter makes a plea for anyone with information about her missing mom to come forward, Falk and his old buddy Raco can’t leave the case alone.

As Falk soaks up life in the lush valley, he is welcomed into the tight-knit circle of Kim’s friends and loved ones. But the group may be more fractured than it seems. Between Falk’s closest friend, the missing mother, and a woman he’s drawn to, dark questions linger as long-ago truths begin to emerge. What would make a mother abandon her child? What happened to Kim Gillespie?

Harper takes the long way ’round to answer the vital question “What happened to Kim Gillespie?” For the novel’s first two-thirds, Kim hovers over the narrative in her unanswered spectral state while I was caught up in the compelling details of the “tight-knit circle” of friends and family Falk enters. And they are seemingly everyday, ordinary ones of marriages made and broken, children born and grown, friendships established, sustained, and ruptured. There is no tragedy, at least not until the end, and there is no drama and yet, I was completely drawn in by Harper’s cast. To start, I loved Falk himself, lonely, austere, observant, thoughtful. His budding relationship with the festival director, Gemma, who herself lost husband Dean to a car accident, a body never recovered, and has since brought to teen-age-hood his son and her stepson, Joel. Every single character is afforded a personality, a life, and relationships with every single other character. Joel still mourns his father and a nice back-and-forth, for example, develops between Aaron and Joel over ridding Joel’s father’s memorial plaque of the graffiti scrawled over the safety rails where his car went over.

Harper’s novel is infused with this personal, ordinary detail and in that detail, I wondered about what role each and every one played in Kim’s life and the man whose life ended when a hit-and-run saw him go over that rail. Pets and children, friends and cool acquaintances are part and parcel of the present, a year after Kim’s mysterious disappearance and six after the accident, as Harper also offers a back-and-forth movement between filling in their past, showing how it bears on their present, and glimpses, like small glimmers of light in the night, how it may come together to answer the question, “What happened to Kim Gillespie?” Or at least how I thought it would come together: I was wrong. And like Falk, as he ponders the events he was a minor witness to at last year’s festival, he muses about how we see what we want to see rather than what’s actually there. Isn’t that as true of a reader as it is of an investigator, aren’t we witnesses too to what, especially in crime fiction, an author affords us, even while the answer is there all along? Harper isn’t a red herring kind of gal, but she does want us to think about people, what they’re like, what they’ll do, and what motivates their actions: the truth is laid out before us, but we, like Falk, are stumped by assumptions. We are lulled for a long, long time and it doesn’t look, at least to us, the reader-listeners, like there can be an answer. Contrivance, or genius?: as a reader-listener, I’m leaning to both, a brilliant, human, at heart both tragedy and hope, contrivance, believable, understandable, justifiable, justice-served, and quite quite flaw-fully human.

As a final note, I’d like to add how very much I loved Stephen Shanahan’s narration. It’s even, clear, subtly nuanced, and avoids the emoting many narrators are plagued with. He never wavers his pitch, thank the narrating gods, and narrates a book instead of reading like a stage, or film actor. This is a difference I have noted: the former brings the text into the fore and the latter, well, it makes you more aware of the “actor” than of the text. I enjoy the former and am frustrated by the latter. It’s my preference for what I think makes a great audiobook and we do have one here. I would happily urge you to listen, or read Harper’s Exiles if not to add that if you’ve missed the first two books, you may, unlike yours truly, gain a world of pleasure by starting with the first and making your way to the present. With Miss Austen’s helpful scale, Jane Harper’s Exiles offers “no charm equal to tenderness of heart,” Emma.

Jane Harper’s Exiles releases on January 31st and may be found at your preferred audiobook vendors. I received an advance audiobook copy from Macmillan Audio for the purpose of writing this review (and the fact of which does not affect my opinion) via Netgalley.

This was so good the kind of book you have to read in one sitting. I loved the mystery and trying to guess all the way through and my guess being wrong made it more exciting! Five stars a new favorite author for me.

The third and maybe final book in the Aaron Falk mystery series by Jane Harper, Exiles. I feel like this was a good ending to Aaron's story. I mean I don't know for sure if there will be more but I kind of hope not...because it just ended so well for his character ARC. I can't explain too much as it's a continuation in a series, but I liked this much better than book 2. It had the character growth I liked from book 1 that was lacking in 2. I enjoyed the mystery and thought it wrapped up fairly nicely if a bit of a let down because I can't see how the audience could have guessed the culprit. Loved the characters and the atmosphere, and as usual Harper has a writing style you can just sink into and not realize where the day go to. This is a nice easy series if you have nothing but time on your hands.

Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced reader copy. I listened to this book and really liked it. It definitely kept me guessing and I was not able figure out the ending.

I think that fans of Harper will not be disappointed as it is another solid entry in the Aaron Falk series. It reads fine as a stand-alone, but character development is best if you start with the first one, The Dry.

Yet another terrific mystery from Jane Harper. This complex story kicks off with an infant found alive and well in her carriage at a wine country festival in rural Australia...but with no sign of her mother. The mystery is plausible but readers are not likely to figure out what happened too early...or may even have to wait for the reveal. I enjoyed the characters very much, the small town setting, and the relationships among the family members and their friends. In particular, protagonist Aaron Falk, a member of Australia's national police force, is a character I hope to see again; this is the third of Harper's books in which he stars.
One of the things I enjoy about Harper's writing is that she always gives a vivid sense of place. Dialogue is natural and adds to characterization of each individual. This book is less tightly packed than Harper's previous books and I would have preferred that the middle, especially, move more quickly. However, I can highly recommend this book, particularly for readers who enjoy well-written novels set in Australia.

This was my second Harper novel (The Survivors being my first) and I absolutely loved the other so much that I jumped at the opportunity to listen to this one, not realizing it was the 3rd in a series. *facepalm* Whoops!

Luckily(!) I enjoyed this book just fine as a stand-alone. Harper did an excellent job at making this enough of its own story that you needn’t necessarily have read the others to enjoy it (but I’ve already started Aaron Falk’s first novel of course!).

Like The Survivors, Harper completely owned me from the beginning. I LOVED listening to this novel set in Australia, as I’m a boring American fascinated by the Outback and obsessed with a good accent (thank goodness I chose to listen to this one ;)). I was so quickly drawn in by her descriptions of the setting and the characters alike. I love me a good mystery and yet, I honestly didn’t even try to solve this one. I was half-way through the story before I realized that I wasn’t doing my usual whodunnit guessing game. I was honestly just completely engrossed in the story and I have to say, I really enjoyed just going along for the ride.

I wasn’t all that surprised at the ending on any/all accounts. Nor were there any of the twists or turns I usually live for. But neither of these things really bothered me. I guess I just enjoy a good slow burn mystery from time to time. Kudos, Jane Harper. Now back to Aaron Falk Numero Uno for me.

Thanks so much to MacMillan Audio and NetGalley for this advanced audiobook!

This is definitely a slow burning mystery with lots of character interactions as well as introspection by the main character - Aaron Falk - as we watch him work. Harper's books always showcase the country so well and the wine country of Australia sounds lovely. Having read the previous two Falk novels I liked the character musings and problem solving and I was happy with the ending.

Stephen Shanahan is the narrator and his accent and voice are perfect or the character I envision when I think of Falk. HIs narration is natural or such a conversation dependent book.

'It stayed ear-splittingly loud for half a minute before someone more responsible presumably, stepped in, the volume dropping a few notches and the song changing from something Falk didn't' recognize to something else he didn't' recognize..' (quote from story but punctuation is mine as the book was in audio format)

Thank you to MacMillan Audio for an early copy in exchange for an honest review.

4.5 Stars

Set in Australia, Exiles by Jane Harper is a slow-burn mystery and #3 in the Aaron Falk series. (can be read as a stand-alone) The story features generous sides of family and friends drama and a budding romance.

Thanks #NetGalley @MacMillanAudio for a complimentary listening ARC of #Exiles upon my request. All opinions are my own.

“We see what we expect to see.”

Aaron Falk, an investigator we met in The Dry and Force of Nature, returns in this story that is set in Southern Australia’s wine country. The occasion is a baby christening where Falk is the Godfather. The christening was supposed to take place a year earlier; however, a missing mother and her abandoned baby upset the community and the christening was postponed for one year. The mother disappeared from the town’s annual festival and Falk, although not involved in the case, has his curiosity piqued about the unsolved case once he arrives in town. While plans progress for the family christening, Falk wonders if the cold case is connected to another death in the small town, Falk conducts behind-the-scenes inquiries and pieces clues together. He unexpectedly finds himself attracted to a beautiful woman.

Although Exiles is not exactly a page-turner, it is well crafted and does build suspense and tension for a dramatic ending. I would say that 80% is slow-burn and the last 20% is faster-paced.

Jane Harper has developed a reputation for writing atmospheric mysteries filled with vivid details, and Exiles does not disappoint. Establishing a strong sense of place, the author draws complicated characters, reveals complex relationships, and creates a multilayered plot for a satisfying story.

I was thrilled when I heard about the return of Aaron Falk! Harper’s first two books feature Falk and then he disappears for the next two. I couldn’t help but feel disappointed, so I was happy to know that Harper hadn’t abandoned him and that he was part of a planned trilogy all along! Even though Exile is #3, it can totally be read as a stand-alone. ***SPOILER*** Exiles gives the Falk character the closure and hope for a happy future he deserves. In fact, I felt more engaged with the slow-burn romance than I did with the mystery! Readers who are attached to Falk will want to read Exiles!

Because Exiles is a slow-burn mystery and highly atmospheric and not especially fast-paced, I’m highly recommending the audio format. The narrator kept me engaged in the story when I might have set aside the print version. For me, the Australian accent is delightfully engaging and the narrator sounds like the Falk I imagine!

As I’ve already mentioned, Exiles is also a slow-burn (closed door) romance which I’m totally here for! I need Falk to have a happy ending. The budding romance was the most engaging part of the story for me.

I’m definitely recommending Exiles (especially the audio format) for fans of Jane Harper and atmospheric mysteries, for fans of Aaron Falk, and for those who appreciate gently-told mysteries.

***Contains Spoilers”””
Content Consideration: domestic abuse, toxic relationship, death, grief

Thank you NetGalley and McMillan Audio!

I genuinely struggled with this one from start to finish. To start it never initially pulled me in. Getting through this was a struggle and I really had to force myself. The storyline felt monotonous and found myself bored through 90% of it. This one just didn't do it for me.

Exiles
A Novel
by Jane Harper
Narrated by Stephen Shanahan

This is a very different murder mystery! Aaron Falk is a Federal Investigator, taking a weekend away to serve as godfather of a good friend’s son. The weekend is the anniversary of the disappearance of a woman who was a beloved member of the small South Australian wine country town Falk is visiting.

Falk is serious, loyal and quietly observant. His interest in the case is nudged by intimate nuances and gut reactions to minor details shared by the woman’s teen daughter. The girl refuses to accept the apparent suicide of her mother.

As Falk watches and listens, it seems as if nothing is happening, but the tension builds as he locks onto what is said and unsaid. He quietly works with the town police and his friend, an ex-officer. As all is revealed, Harper switches to the missing woman as narrator and it is startling and so believable.

Though this is the first time I am reading a Jane Harper novel, Exiles is the third Aaron Falk mystery. I am fascinated by him. He is practical, thoughtful, gentle and kind. A fresh change from other police procedurals with wounded, violent MCs. I will look into reading his others, The Dry and Force of Nature.

Thank you @NetGalley and @Macmillan.Audio for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

I am new to the Aaron Falk character but really enjoyed him, especially as the narrator brought him to life. The novel felt a little long but for lovers of Falk, they may relish the time spent developing his story arc. I enjoyed the alternate perspectives provided at the end by two of the characters; this gave some background that would have proved helpful at the beginning as the story was unfolding. Harper painted a great visual of the Australian landscape and the people that call it home.

Aaron Falk is officially back in the conclusion of Jane Harpers detective series. Bringing back some of the characters that made this series so amazing in the first place, it’s hard to not to be immediately sucked in. As usual with the audio, I completely enjoy the accents that make it so much more realistic. Jane Harper again created a rich and dynamic atmosphere, and the mystery is dulled out slowly and efficiently for maximum suspense. Another well done novel by Jane Harper!