Jasper Cliff (Josh Kemp, Fremantle)

Western Australian author Josh Kemp’s debut novel, Banjawarn, won several prestigious awards, including the Dorothy Hewett Award, a Ned Kelly Award, and a Western Australian Premier’s Prize. For his second book, the compelling and ruminative Jasper Cliff, he returns to the Australian gothic tradition—stories about the dark side of the Australian experience. The novel is set in a tiny outpost of the East Pilbara, a place where many people have been known to disappear. Here, readers meet Lachlan, who is on a gruelling search for his missing brother, Toby. On this journey to uncover the truth, we are introduced to a slew of authentic and well-rounded local characters, including June, Pippa, Shrubb and Glen, all of whom add intricacy to the story with their differing backgrounds and points of view. This is a complex mystery, and Kemp has clearly done his research into the novel’s distinct setting and culture, with the vast outback landscape and isolated township rendered in visceral detail. Jasper Cliff ventures into dark places with some strong language, disturbing violence and challenging plotlines, including the impacts of Australia’s colonial history. There is plenty of suspense and several gripping moments, all of which add up to a thrilling ending that will engage readers who enjoy Stephen King, Anna Snoekstra’s Out of Breath and Lucy Campbell’s Lowbridge.

Books+Publishing reviewer: Karys McEwen is a librarian, author and the current vice president of CBCA VIC Branch. Books+Publishing is Australia’s number-one source of pre-publication book reviews.

Category: Friday Unlocked reviews Reviews