Member Reviews

I really enjoy reading Kate Morton's books and this one was no exception. Others may not enjoy the slower build, and I don't always, but in this instance, I did. The mystery was good and I liked the vast majority of the characters, being interested in what was happening to them. For me, the twist wasn't completely predictable, and I enjoyed the outcome as a result of the characters discovering the truth (even got a bit teary!). Whilst not a part of the story but I also really liked Jess' situation (returning to Australia) was somewhat reflected by Morton's own situation after covid-19, especially having read so many of Morton's books, it was nice to feel more connected to the real person writing the story.

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I was looking forward to this book but I am afraid I found it very slow going but did like the latter half of the book.

It is a dual time line with the present and in 1959 when a family is poisoned who did it will we find out.

I kind of knew part of the story but as I say the twist at the end was good. I think the book maybe should not have gone on and maybe cut a wee bit out of it.

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Really disappointed in this book. I have loved all of her other books but this is definitely not on a par with them. I have given up reading it just 10% in. It's boring, not engaging in any way and life is just to short. After reading reviews it appears the first and last 10% are all you need to read anyway. The rest is just pointless padding.

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I loved this book I was instantly engrossed and was swept away for its entirety and beyond. I couldn't put it down

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Australian Jess is struggling with her life in London as a freelance journalist, when she is informed that her beloved grandmother is in the hospital. As she flies back home to be at her side, and tries to come to terms with Nora's sickness, she discovers a shocking secret - a family connection to a notorious crime committed decades earlier. Narrated from different points of views, including Nora, Jess, her mother Poly, as well as people involved in the Tambila Mystery, this chunky novel is a family saga spanning generations, an unresolved mystery that has an impact on the whole town and all involved. This is a whirlwind story of a family affected by the past, relations strained and broken, secrets and mysteries. It is beautifully told, and despite its length, a captivating and immersive read, that covers themes of truth, honesty, toxic relationships, betrayal and jealousy. As we learn details of Nora’s, Polly’s and Jess’ stories, we discover half-truths, lies and omissions that make us to look at the characters in a totally different light. Kate Morton makes their characters unreliable, but the most impressive thing about them is that they reveal their true nature as we read the story. This as well as the excitement of discovering truth about past events, make the “Homecoming” an thrilling read. It also speaks to the readers looking for a novel dealing with the themes of home, belonging and coming back to your roots. The book has also a very special house in its core, and this place is a centre of a drama – and I love reading books in which places are as important as the people. As a big Kate Morton’s fan, I loved coming back to her writing after a long break. Her evocative style helps to engage a reader with the story and create the world which is hard to leave behind.

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I've previously enjoyed other Kate Morton books, and so was looking forward to this one.

The story is good - back in 1959 a whole family (except the husband who is away) is found dead in the Australian countryside, perhaps poisoned? Come back to the modern day, and journalist Jess uncovers the story and starts to investigate.

Having enjoyed the actual story, I found this book to long-winded and slow, the first half in particular just takes forever to happen. So a good read, but would have been much better if it had been half the length.

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As usual in my reviews I will not rehash the plot or publisher's blurb - plenty of reviews like that out there already.

I've read several of Kate Morton's previous novels, so was delighted to be invited to read this one. As usual in Kate's stories, there's a double timeline theme running through - weaving together the past and present to solve a longstanding mystery.

The characters are extremely well written. Nora in particular is a very strong and determined woman, and Jess and Polly are very believable characters. The plot is well thought out, with more than a few twists that I wasn't expecting. I did however guess part of the truth, and was pleased when the mystery was finally unravelled and the truth revealed.

My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an ARC. All opinions my own.

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Thank you for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book. An amazing read, as always from Kate Morton

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I love Kate Mortons book and this didnt disappoint
Once again she proves she is an expert at a dual timeline story and she explores the dark secrets of families
There were plenty of twists and although I worked some parts out others were a surprise

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A multi layered family saga/ mystery with a dual timeline. I found it a slow burner at start but then the pace really picked up and I couldn't put it down. I enjoyed both timelines equally and the ending neatly tied it all up. Plenty of twists and turns in the story. The story is told in different timelines from different characters adding depth to the story
Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for an ARC in exchange for an honest opinion

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Wow Kate Morton is a wonderful writer. I adore her books and this one no less. It was a beautiful and entrancing read. Thankyou for sharing

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A great read set in a very interesting era.Kates books are always fabulous.Loved the baby storyline.

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A truly captivating read! The thin gossamer threads are all artfully set out and then twisted and turned in so many ways to make this an unpredictably amazing read. This is a book that is hard to put down! I thoroughly enjoyed the experience of reading this book. The descriptive language takes you to Australia. Highly recommended!

Thank you Netgalley

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Kate Morton never disappoints. I always eagerly await her new books and for good reason. Always thoroughly researched, it will bring you back and forth between the past and the present, weaving an amazing story.

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The latest epic tome from Kate Morton concerns Jess and her grandmother, who largely raised her. When the grandmother is hospitalised Jess starts to unravel the secrets of her grandmother and semi-estranged mother's pasts. As is usual with Kate Morton's writing the narrative takes place in two time periods so you discover the dark family history in contemporary time.

This is a good read, although a few plot points do stretch credibility, but provided you can overlook those it's very engaging.

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This was such an interesting read! I found myself so engrossed in the story, the characters had such incredible arcs, and I can't wait to follow this author's journey!

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Having not read a Kate Morton book for a few years I was very much looking forward to reading this new novel from the author. However, I was torn with this new novel. There were parts of it I liked and parts not so much.
Things I liked.
The overall story was interesting and entertaining. The story in itself kept me invested in the book and I wanted to know what would happen.
As usual with this author the descriptions of the outdoors was enchanting, the reader could really feel like they were there.
The characters within the 1950-60 element of the story were fabulous. Particularly Percy, a wonderful character. The past storyline was by far my favourite and I was turning the pages quickly wanting to get back to it.
Things I didn't enjoy so much.
The present time story line did not keep me as engaged. I personally felt that at times it was just filling the book out, although it had to be there.
The female character of Jess annoyed me at times, I found some of her actions very unbelievable. There was a lot of mention about how worried she was for her Grandmother yet every time see came home from the hospital her actions were the opposite, like not listening out for the phone in case they rang, doing other things that made her late for visiting hours.
I also did not like the character of Nora, not warming to her at all.

So therefore some of the writing i really liked and some annoyed me and felt repetitive.
A mixed bag for me this one.

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My thanks to Netgalley and publishers Mantel for Pan Macmillan for an ARC of this novel in return for an honest review. I just love Kate Morton’s writing and have read each story. This is a big book and her best yet.

Here the author has a modern-day tale to tell which is rooted in past happenings which also have to be told, so the story flips back and fore between two time zones. This can get confusing but the author just about pulls it off. Nearly halfway through I began to see what probably happened 40 ? 50 ? years before which has finally impinged on the present, but even I was surprised at the real answer. The Homecoming of the title refers to Jess, born and brought up in a privileged background by her grandmother in Australia. She had gone to London to travel and see another part of the world. She becomes a journalist and twenty years later, rushes back to Australia when her elderly grandmother is dangerously ill, In a weak and possibly delusionary state her grandmother says a few seemingly nonsensical things that sets Jess’s journalistic mind to investigate. And so the story unfolds.

From a rather slow and slightly confused start, this novel gets to you. Before I was a third in it had reached unputdownable status for me. This is a genre in which Kate Morton excels; the family mystery, the privileged background, and the atmospheric setting. There is the most wonderful feel of Australia coming out of these pages. This novel is intricate and complex and you need to concentrate to follow the various strands. I had to read the last quarter at one go to follow all the threads. There is no need for a detailed, evolving love interest, as is so common in such novels. The book just carries you with it. There is much for a book club to debate/argue. It would make an amazing film with the stunning Australian backdrop. This is a huge book, both in physical size and emotional dimension. If you enjoyed “The House at Riverton”, this surpasses it.

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I've read all of Kate Morton's books and enjoy her beautiful writing style. This dual timeline novel, set in Australia, is filled with mystery and suspense. The intricate details and family drama really draw you into this amazing story. It's a long book, slow paced but one to savour.

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Another gripping read from Kate Morton.

When Jess’s beloved grandmother becomes ill, Jess returns to Australia to be with her. There she discovers family secrets and links to a devastating incident many years before.

Full of intrigue and mystery, and set in the outback of Australia, I really enjoyed this page turner. Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for the arc in exchange for my honest review.

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