To The River (Vikki Wakefield, Text)

The Kelly family was always skirting trouble. When 17-year-old Sabine Kelly’s mum and sister die with seven other people in a mysterious caravan park fire, Sabine confesses to the crime before disappearing. Twelve years later, living a fugitive life on her pop’s riverboat, she is spotted by someone who knows who she is—an accused murderer wanted by the police. Freelance journalist Rachel recognises Sabine and spies on her from the riverside house she received in her divorce. She is determined to capture evidence and sell the story. When Sabine catches Rachel spying, a mystery unfolds: Why does Sabine agree to help Rachel? Is Sabine really a murderer? This psychological thriller intensifies as the women navigate a web of lies, truths and unanswered questions. To the River is a rollicking, fast-paced ride that builds to the perfect climax, with twists and turns along the way. Vikki Wakefield (Ballad for a Mad Girl) is a masterful writer with complete control over her characters—whether they are written for younger readers or, here, for adults. Her immeasurable talent and skill are electric in each frame of the story. Mixing in psychological warfare between two incredibly cataclysmic main characters, this is an action-packed, exciting, yet often thoughtful book. To the River will be one of 2024’s sure-fire hits, perfect for fans of Jane Harper and Gillian Flynn. I cannot recommend it highly enough.

Books+Publishing reviewer: Brenton Cullen is an emerging children's author and freelance writer of articles, reviews, and interviews when not working part-time in a bookshop. Books+Publishing is Australia’s number-one source of pre-publication book reviews.

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