Title: In the Clearing by J.P. Pomare
Publisher: Mulholland Books
Genre: Contemporary, Domestic Mystery, Suspense
Length: 353 pages
Book Rating: B+
Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley
Summary:
Set against a ticking clock, this “taut and unpredictable” thriller pits a ruthless cult against a mother’s love, revealing that our darkest secrets are the hardest ones to leave behind (Chris Hammer).
Four days to go
Amy has only ever known life in the Clearing, amidst her brothers and sisters–until a newcomer, a younger girl, joins the “family” and offers a glimpse of the outside world.
Three days to go
Freya is going to great lengths to seem like an “everyday mum,” even as she maintains her isolated lifestyle, hoping to protect her young son and her dog.
Two days to go
When news breaks of a missing girl–a child the same age as Freya’s son, Billy–Amy and Freya find themselves headed for a shocking collision.
One day to go
Review:
In the Clearing by J.P. Pomare is a pulse-pounding domestic mystery that is also quite poignant.
Amy is a teenager who belongs to the Clearing which is a cult run by Queen Adrienne and Adam. She is the next to the oldest child so she is now included in activities that become increasingly horrifying. Adrienne demands complete loyalty and no one is allowed question her authority. Amy follows unquestioningly until they bring Asha into the fold. The seven year old’s actions and words raise doubts and Amy soon makes a shocking decision.
Freya Heyward lives with her seven year old son Billy in a small town about an hour from Melbourne. Their home is close to a river, well-fortified and guarded by a well trained dog. Freya’s security is first rattled by the sudden appearance of a young couple on the edge of her property. Then she begins experiencing the unnerving sensation she is being watched. Odd occurrences shake her even further and Freya reaches out to old friend Corazzo for some much needed help. With the days and hours counting down, Freya’s past and present are about to collide in a terrifying way that shakes her to the core.
In the Clearing is a nerve-wracking, suspenseful domestic mystery. Amy and Freya are interesting characters that are vibrantly developed and deeply flawed. The remote setting and Freya’s hyper vigilance add tension with each chapter. The storyline is well-written and grabs hold of the readers’ attention from the very first page. With shocking twists and unpredictable turns, J.P. Pomare brings this riveting mystery to an edge of the seat, unpredictable conclusion. An electrifying read that I absolutely love and HIGHLY recommend to readers of the genre.
