Great story the terror of being hunted for a crime you didn’t commit. Knowing the who and the why but not able to doing anything about it . Read in one sitting.

Thank you netgalley and the publishers or this ARC of this book. I really enjoyed it and had my eye on it for some time. The character development was what hooked me, and the story’s plot kept me engaged. The pacing and themes throughout the story were well developed and I definitely will be recommending this to my book club in 2025.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

Vikki Wakefield's "The Backwater" is a hauntingly evocative novel that explores the quiet turbulence beneath the surface of rural Australian life. This compelling narrative weaves together themes of identity, isolation, and resilience in a richly atmospheric setting.

The story centers on Mila, a young woman returning to her desolate hometown after years of estrangement. As she grapples with the shadows of her past and the mysteries that lie in the backwater, Mila's journey becomes one of self-discovery and reconciliation. The setting, a small, remote town surrounded by the Australian bush, is depicted with such vivid detail that it becomes a character in its own right, enhancing the novel's moody, introspective tone.

Mila is a deeply layered protagonist whose internal struggles and emotional depth drive the narrative forward. Wakefield skillfully delves into her psyche, revealing the complexities of her relationships with family and the broader community. The supporting characters, each with their own secrets and motivations, add further texture to the story. The interactions among the characters are nuanced and authentic, making their growth and revelations all the more impactful.

"The Backwater" deftly tackles themes of forgiveness, belonging, and the interplay between past and present. Wakefield's lyrical prose captures the stark beauty of the Australian landscape while painting an intimate portrait of her characters' inner worlds. The writing is both poetic and grounded, creating a sense of immediacy and emotional resonance. The novel's pacing is deliberate, allowing readers to fully immerse themselves in Mila's journey.

"The Backwater" is a poignant and thought-provoking novel that lingers long after the final page. Vikki Wakefield's ability to blend evocative storytelling with profound emotional insight makes this a standout work in contemporary Australian fiction.

Readers who appreciate deeply character-driven narratives and evocative settings make "The Backwater" a deeply satisfying read.

A really great and atmospheric read. I enjoyed all of the characters as well as the storytelling. I do kind of wish that the ending hadn't been so ambiguous because I don't feel as though the book needed that.

The Kelly family has always been trouble! When a fire in a remote trailer park community kills nine people, including 17 year old Sabine Kelly's mother and sister, Sabine confesses to the murders. Shortly after, she escapes custody, flees her broken hometown, and disappears into the thick forest and winding backwaters of her childhood refuge, the river! Great read! I thoroughly enjoyed reading this one! When I started this book I thought it was going to be just ok it ended up being a fantastic read! It had great suspense, murder, mystery, violence, bad cops, almost paranormal, a fantastic who done it and some crazy twists and turns! The storyline was very interesting! I highly recommend reading this book! Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for sharing this book with me!

What an incredible, captivating novel!! This is the first (but not the last) book I’ve read by Vikki Wakefield.
I thoroughly enjoyed this action packed, twisty story. It’s full of mysterious intrigue and I loved Sabine and her faithful sidekick, Blue.
Thank you to the publisher for the opportunity to read this advanced copy. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.