(I received a free copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.)

For police officers Steve Fraser and Tess Ballard, a split-second decision saves the lives of fifty members of a cult ­- but also puts their careers on the line. Tess's work is everything to her; she's forged a new life through sheer determination, so when her past returns to haunt her, Steve must race through wild country if he is to save the people he most cares about.

*3.5 stars*

This is the third book by Bronwyn Parry in the Goodabri series. I do think having read the previous novels will help with the backstory to some of the elements in this book.

This book picks up pretty much straight after the previous novel, Storm Clouds. And while it has been a while (and a LOT of other books) since I read it, the characters came back pretty quickly.

If you are looking for a typical romantic suspense novel, then this probably isn't for you. Everything about this budding romance is out in the open - no "will they/won't they?" rubbish - and it is not the focus of the novel. And I truly appreciate that. There were times when I thought it could have gone down the path of overly sickly-sweet, it didn't - it stuck to the plot and narrative as I had hoped.

As for the characters that inhabit this novel, Steve and Tess are quite likeable but certainly not "best characters ever" level. The highlight, character-wise, in this book is most definitely the cult's dangerous leader Joshua. Every single page he appears on is downright creepy and Parry has created a character that will stick with you for a while.

The plot itself was a little weaker than the previous ones, I think. While I really loved the cult and their many "interesting" characters, it was pretty much a straightforward story. It had lots of action, some great twists and turns - but it never really achieved the heights I thought Storm Clouds did.

Finally, in all good Australian novels set in the outback, you should always be able to smell the dust, shoo the flies and need a drink of water just reading the pages. And Parry does that aspect very well. I felt every moment of living in rural Australia and loved every minute of that. The descriptions were splendid and the sense of isolation was overwhelming.

All in all, a great addition to the series and I think all romantic suspense lovers will enjoy it too.


Paul
ARH

This is such an emotive book. I became quite choked up when Madeleine was killed and also at her funeral. Thanks Bronwyn Parry, I'm hooked on your books.