Book Review No 31: Traces of Absence by Susan Holoubeck

Still struggling to come to terms with her father's sudden death, Dee's daughter Corrie decides to defer university and spend a year in Argentina. Although the pair have a fractured relationship at that time, Dee is encouraging of this plan. Having hosted an Argentinian exchange student whose family is willing to return the favour, she believes Corrie will not only be safe and but also have the space and distance to work through her grief. When Dee receives the news that Corrie has disappeared without a trace, she is devastated and horrified at what may lie ahead.

Book Review No 30: Hindsight by Melanie Casey

Although I have read a lot of crime fiction, I have never read a title in that genre that also included a paranormal element. I wasn't quite sure what to expect with Melanie Casey's debut novel Hindsight, but it didn't take me long to realise it was a captivating story that kept me involved from start to finish.

Cass Lehman's terrifying gift which allows her to temporarily experience other people's deaths (if she is in the exact vicinity it happened) has kept her locked away at her family home for much of her adult life. Living in a small town she can negotiate her way to various safe areas but does not dare venture too far afield. Yet at the age of 28 she realises she wants to experience more of the world, no matter what the consequences.

Book Review No 29: After The Fall by Kylie Ladd

Kate and Cary and Cressida and Luke are two professional couples living in suburban Melbourne. They have become firm friends over time and often socialise together. Both are still childless and are caught up in the busy lifestyle of their careers with the occasional getaway for fun. But then something happens - Kate and Luke discover a mutual attraction that quickly flares into a full blown affair. And naturally, after that, nothing can ever be quite the same again.

This story is told in an alternating POV, which allows the reader to gain an insight of all four main characters. Also the chapters are almost like diary entries in that they are raw and honest comments and answers to the questions you as the reader want to know. This weaving between characters was done seamlessly and in such a way that did not impact on the flow of the story.