Set in the sweltering summer of 1979 Australia, The Grapevine by debut author Kate Kemp is a richly atmospheric and quietly unsettling mystery that peels back the layers of a seemingly ordinary cul-de-sac to reveal a web of secrets, suspicion, and simmering tension.
The story opens with a housewife scrubbing blood from her bathroom tiles at 3am—her husband has just murdered their neighbour, and she’s trying to erase the evidence before dawn. From this gripping start, Kemp spins a tale that’s as much about the murder as it is about the community that surrounds it. As news of Antonio Marietti’s death spreads through Warrah Place, gossip becomes currency, and everyone has something to hide.
At the heart of the story is twelve-year-old Tammy, an amateur observational scientist with a keen eye and a curious mind. Her determination to uncover the truth adds a layer of innocence and urgency to the narrative, making her a standout character in a cast full of flawed, fascinating adults.
Kemp’s writing is sharp and evocative, capturing the claustrophobia of suburban life and the quiet desperation behind closed doors. The novel explores themes of prejudice, the hidden lives of women, and the fragile ties that bind a community—ties that can just as easily unravel under pressure
If you enjoyed Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty or The Slap by Christos Tsiolkas, The Grapevine will feel like a natural next read. It’s a slow-burn thriller that rewards patience with a satisfying payoff and a lingering sense of unease.
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