Cover Image: The Survivors

The Survivors

Pub Date:   |   Archive Date:

Member Reviews

A slow paced story told in a dual timeline. I liked the setting and the community feel
I felt that the writing wasn’t good either
The ending was a huge let down for me.

Was this review helpful?

Jane Harper is a master of writing novels that are full of intrigue, mystery, and suspense. Often combined with secrets, love, friendship and lies.

Let's be honest, her novels have everything and this is no exception!.

Was this review helpful?

Due to a sudden, unexpected passing in the family a few years ago and another more recently and my subsequent (mental) health issues stemming from that, I was unable to download this book in time to review it before it was archived as I did not visit this site for several years after the bereavements. This meant I didn't read or venture onto netgalley for years as not only did it remind me of that person as they shared my passion for reading, but I also struggled to maintain interest in anything due to overwhelming depression. I was therefore unable to download this title in time and so I couldn't give a review as it wasn't successfully acquired before it was archived. The second issue that has happened with some of my other books is that I had them downloaded to one particular device and said device is now defunct, so I have no access to those books anymore, sadly.

This means I can't leave an accurate reflection of my feelings towards the book as I am unable to read it now and so I am leaving a message of explanation instead. I am now back to reading and reviewing full time as once considerable time had passed I have found that books have been helping me significantly in terms of my mindset and mental health - this was after having no interest in anything for quite a number of years after the passings. Anything requested and approved will be read and a review written and posted to Amazon (where I am a Hall of Famer & Top Reviewer), Goodreads (where I have several thousand friends and the same amount who follow my reviews) and Waterstones (or Barnes & Noble if the publisher is American based). Thank you for the opportunity and apologies for the inconvenience.

Was this review helpful?

Everything Jane Harper reads is absolutely perfect and this one is no exception!

It will completely grip you from the first page to the last, you won't regret reading this one!

Was this review helpful?

"The Survivors" by Jane Harper is a beautifully written novel that will keep readers hooked until the very end. Set in a small coastal town in Tasmania, the novel follows the lives of three childhood friends - Kieran, Sean, and Olivia - who are forced to confront the past when a tragedy strikes the town.

The novel begins with the discovery of a body on the beach, which triggers a series of events that force Kieran to confront his own past and the secrets he's been keeping from his wife and daughter. As the investigation into the death progresses, Harper skillfully weaves together a complex web of relationships and secrets, keeping readers guessing until the very end.

What sets "The Survivors" apart from other thrillers is Harper's masterful use of setting. The rugged beauty of Tasmania's coast provides the perfect backdrop for the story, and Harper's descriptions of the town and its inhabitants are so vivid that readers will feel as though they're right there alongside the characters.

Harper's characters are also well-drawn and multi-dimensional, with each one grappling with their own demons and secrets. Kieran, in particular, is a fascinating character, struggling with survivor's guilt and the weight of his past mistakes. Harper's portrayal of his mental state is both empathetic and realistic, making him a compelling protagonist.

Overall, "The Survivors" is a gripping and emotionally resonant novel that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. With its evocative setting, complex characters, and expertly crafted plot, it's a must-read for fans of literary thrillers. Highly recommended.

Was this review helpful?

I really enjoyed THE DRY by Jane Harper, so when THE SURVIVORS was announced, I was very excited. Set in Tasmania, the novel explores a small-town community, broken by tragedy. Two deaths of young girls twenty years apart haunts the town and its inhabitants, and its inhabitants seem to be slowly drifting away.

Although I was engaged by the story, jowever, I did find myself less compelled to listen after a while, and I'm not sure whether that's because the story itself was losing interest or whether the pace just wasn't quite translating. Bit of a slow burn, and by the end, although I was intrigued, I wasn't desperate to find out who was the killer.

Was this review helpful?

I am a huge fan of Jane Harper's books, having read all of them up to now. This book did not disappoint. It starts off slowly and became gripping and unputdownable the more I read. I would read the phone book if Jane Harper wrote it! I loved the characters, the storyline and the setting. Absorbing and thrilling.

Was this review helpful?

Book location is Evelyn Bay, Tasmania, beautiful but unpredictable sea that has already claimed lives. Kieran Elliot is back to help his mum, dad's dementia is much worse than Kieran realised and being home reignites all his guilt. Twelve years ago his brother and friend died and it is all Kieran's fault. Now back with his partner, also from there, with their baby Kieran is feeling mixed emotions and reception from people. When a young girl is found dead an investigation starts and a lot of the past is raked up which is never a good thing in a small town.

Intrigue, mystery, secrets, love, friendship, lies it has a mix of everything and I loved reading it when our weather turned so we had a thunder and lightning storm. It just made it for perfect reading, very atmospheric, she creates a great visual for the reader anyway but having it both on paper and surrounding me was just perfect timing.

It isn't the type of book where it is actions and fast paced, more of a slow burner but absolutely drawing you in. Small town, no privacy, everyone has an opinion on everyone and everything and you feel Kieran reexperiencing how he obviously felt back when the tragedy struck. Things highlight why we left i the first place, the impact on his relationship with his parents. Small bits of the story teased out and slowly revealed so you are kept guessing, well I was.

I think this is my second book by Harper and will absolutely be reading her others, 4/5 for me this time.

Was this review helpful?

Absolutely love Jane Harper books. So much so that my book shelf is full of her work. I feel so privileged to get an arc of her work. Absolutely smashing story line and preordered the copy ready for release.

Was this review helpful?

I have LOVED Jane's books previously and this one did not disappoint. Couldn't put the book down. I'm looking forward to what she writes next.

Was this review helpful?

With apology that it took me so long to review! I really enjoyed this. It’s really hard to live up to the hype of a huge first novel and I feel like she’s hit her stride with this one.

Was this review helpful?

Jane Harper never disappoints, Ibebread all of her previous novels. This is an intriguing & slow burning story that kept me hooked.

Was this review helpful?

Wow 5 stars for a start Jane Harper never fails this was epic. I found it a little slow at the start but it soon picked up and the book left me heartbroken.

Was this review helpful?

Having read The Dry by Jane Harper I was really looking forward to reading this and it didn't disappoint at all.
Well written, great storyline and good characters - Jane can do no wrong for me. When's the next book.

Was this review helpful?

I had previously read The Dry by Jane Harper and really enjoyed it so I was expecting great things in this story. Apart from trying to remember all the names at the beginning it didn’t disappoint. Small town with lots of secrets. Well worth reading

Was this review helpful?

This is my third novel by Jane Harper. I will happily read ANYTHING she writes. Her sense of place is so strong that I feel I've been to Australia. This mystery involves the beach and the inhabitants of a small town and I found them all so interesting. I wanted to rent the beach house and eat at the restaurants.

Was this review helpful?

Love Jane Harper and this novel didn't disappoint. She always manages to bring to life really unique characters and conjure the essence of a place that has history or an event from the past people are trying to forget. A real page turner and great speedy read.

Was this review helpful?

Jane Harper’s books never disappoint! I was really looking forward to reading this one, and I can’t wait to read more from her in the future! I was completely engrossed in this one right from the start, and didn’t want to put it down. I really liked the storyline, and couldn’t predict what was going to happen next. The characters were all likeable, and I enjoyed reading about them. I also like that you read about some things that happened in the past, as it really helps you to understand the current situation and the relationships between all of the characters. I definitely recommend this one and all of Jane Harper’s previous books. An auto-buy author for me and I can’t wait to read more in the future!

Was this review helpful?

Jane Harper never fails to deliver, her books are so descriptive, you feel like you there in the moment. Although a slower paced read than I am used to, another great mystery which kept me guessing which is what I love from a book.

Was this review helpful?

I enjoyed this story though felt it was very much a slow burner for me.

I have loved all of Jane's other books but not so much this one, although like I said still a strong 3 star read.
It didn't engage me right from the start and perhaps therefore was why I struggled to remember who was who as their are a number of characters involved.
The second half, once I was more into the story I enjoyed.
I think the main thing was I missed Jane's wonderful descriptions of the Australian hot, dry outback. Something that I think she does so well, and maybe I didn't feel quiet the same with this coastal version. I also didn't feel for the characters as much in this book as I have in others.

Was this review helpful?