Review: Blood Junction

This is an intriguing first novel from a British author, Carver won at least one "newcomers" award from a British writers group for her work. Carver, who is British, lived in Australia for 10 years and according to the book jacket indulges in her enthusiasm for "adventure travel."

Set in the outback of Australia, this novel also displays hints of the author's love of adventure. India Kane, a young reporter, travels to a remote town planning to meet a lifelong friend who has some important news for her. When she arrives, her friend isn't waiting for her as planned, and she must find lodging, and wait to discover just what the news is. In a very short span of time, she discovers her friend has been killed, she herself is arrested for two murders, placed in jail, released on bond courtesy of a mysterious benefactor, and has set off on the trail of the killer as well as the important details she expected to learn from her friend. Along the way a series of increasingly improbable events occur, and before the book has ended, events in China, the UK, and several Australian locations become important.

There is a missing computer disk, a kangaroo refuge, the Millenium New Year's eve celebration in Sydney, a mysterious aboriginal man, a well timed intervention by a lifeguard who later may not be a lifeguard at all, a visit with a geneological researcher, unscrupulous testing of cosmetic products, several ominous businessmen, etc, etc.

This was a hard review to write. Several other readers whose opinions I respect have enjoyed the book very much and in part I share their enthusiasm. Carver is off to a good start with this first novel. However, for my taste, there are a few too many mysterious turns in the events, a few too many suspicious characters, and a uniquely unsatisfying ending, in which the motivation of a key player in the final few chapters remains unclear.

I have a feeling Carver is capable of a tighter, more focused book. I'll look forward to reading that!

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Woodstock - RAM

Book Review: Blood Junction