8 BOOKS THAT TAKE YOU ON AN IMAGINARY AUSSIE ROAD TRIP
STAYING HOME? THESE READS WILL TAKE YOU FROM THE BEACH TO THE OUTBACK
RED DIRT COUNTRY BY FLEUR MCDONALD
The latest in the Dave Burrows series sees the detective travel back home to his wife and children. As he attempts to save his fractured marriage, Dave is called to investigate two battling cattle stations in WA’S far north. A gripping story from the bestselling author.
WHERE FORTUNE LIES BY MARY-ANNE O’CONNOR
Spanning Ireland, England and the Snowy Mountains, this tells the stories of a group of migrants in their new lives in the colony. Anne is escaping poverty while siblings Will and Mari are on the trail of their lost inheritance with their art teacher friend Charlie in tow. A rich and immersive novel.
THE CEDAR TREE BY NICOLE ALEXANDER
In 1949, a grieving and destitute Stella finds refuge at her brother-inlaw’s Richmond Valley farm. Despite being warned to leave family secrets alone, she begins to investigate her now deceased husband’s past and history. Weaved in alongside this is the story of Irish cousins who fled to Australia in the 1860s. This is a novel full of historical intrigue and fascinating characters.
THE ANIMALS IN THAT COUNTRY BY LAURA JEAN MCKAY
In the outback, foulmouthed granny Jean lives on site at the wildlife park where she works. When a strange virus sweeps the country, leaving victims able to understand the language of animals, her son arrives infected and takes off with her beloved granddaughter Kimberly. With her favourite dingo by her side, Jean sets off on their trail. A wild and original ride of a read.
SMALL MERCIES BY RICHARD ANDERSON
Farmers Dimple and Ruthie are struggling through extreme drought and trying to keep their land afloat. But when a wealthy landowner gives an interview saying small farmers should just give up, they decide to go on a road trip and confront the arrogant loudmouth.
THE SHIFTING LANDSCAPE BY KATHERINE KOVACIC
Art sleuth Alex and her faithful Irish wolfhound, Hogarth, travel to a sheep station to value a family collection. But when someone dies, a painting is stolen and her dog goes missing, Alex tries to discover what’s going on. A tense mystery from the vet turned author.
THE LONG ROAD HOME BY FIONA MCCALLUM
Having grown up in a tiny town on South Australia’s Eyre Peninsula, Alice is enjoying having moved from the city to Ballarat where she’s training as a lawyer. Back in Hope Springs, meanwhile, her ex Rick is struggling to cope with life as a farmer. It soon turns out that their renewed friendship is just what they both need. Another heartwarming rural read.
THE BANKSIA BAY BEACH SHACK BY SANDIE DOCKER
When her grandmother Lillian dies, Laura discovers an old photo of two girls with a curious description on the back. To know more, Laura heads to the sleepy coastal town where the picture was taken. There, the past finally gives up its shocking secrets and Laura has to make a difficult choice. A heart-warming story.