Loved this! Atmospheric, dark, heartbreaking, and hopeful all at the same time.
Sabine has spent 12 years running from her past (and the police;) once her and Rachel’s paths cross, neither of their lives will ever be the same.

✰ 3.25 stars ✰

​​“​The river takes, and the river brings bac​k.​​”

​​ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ While the final reveal was a pretty predictable one, what I do want to commend Vikki Wakefield on was the engaging plot, and strong character development in The Backwater that made it easier for me to read. Books written in present tense are a bit difficult for me to get through, but as it alternated between Rachel's perspective and shifted from Sabine in the present day, and Sabine of the past, leading up the twelve-year-old tragedy, Trailer Park Murders, I understood why it was written that way.

​​“​The thing about choices is you think they’re decisions made in a split second at a precise moment in time, but they’re not. They’re the last domino in a long line of decisions, and the last domino always topples in the same direction as the ones that fell before it.​”​

​​ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ For it is really how both Rachel and Sabine​ Kelly grew and changed during the unusual circumstances in which they met that really struck a chord with me.​ Two women searching for some meaning to their lives - a chance for redemption or a shot at success. ​Recently divorced Rachel, who wants another shot at being​ once again a successful journalist she was eager if not intrigued to write Sabine's true story, a story that Sabine believes ​'if there is to be an explosion, it must be controlled​' - thus, agreeing to Rachel's demands, for she knows too much is at stake, for her not to take this chance.​​

​​ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Breaking twelve years of silence that resulted in her being on the run is only the precursor of the dangers and threats that begin to dwindle forth as the two of them follow their own trails to the inevitable ​real​ truth of what really happened that tragic n​ight. 'A question is nagging at her: Why did the girl risk coming back?' It is that compulsive and steady​ investigation on both sides that kept me going; despite how it became apparent what really happened, a bit of a predictable stretch, it was engaging to see the challenges they both encountered and faced head on that I liked.

​​ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ It's also a story that centered on the moral injustice in a system that was meant to uphold the law; one that was fueled by corruption and greed, that spurned others to act out of derision and scorn. It is those values that slowly come to light that makes Rachel realize that perhaps she was looking for a story in the wrong direction. 'Doing the right thing versus doing what’s right.​' Her drive to seek out a story became a purposeful one to reveal the truth and find justice for Sabine. I felt for Sabine; she's lived a life filled with abuse, willful neglect, and extreme poverty, but the few moments of love and happiness she was able to snatch came at such a cost...

​​“​All along the river, the sky is streaked with purples and pinks. The trees bend and whisper; the current is smooth and easy.”

​ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Some other noteworthy points definitely belong to the setting and a woman's best friend. Blue stole the show; a dog so loyal, so brave, so kind, such a fighting and loving spirit to him. He was the binding force between Rachel and Sabine's own ties, one that drove each of them to want to help the other in treacherous waters. Equally prevalent and daunting, if not haunting in its presence was the lake —so beautiful it hurt.' A protector and a secret-keeper of mysteries and buried truths - one that is captured with vivid imagery and a character of its own. The way the author also captured that horrific night, itself, leaving Sabine as the sole survivor, the little details that stood out - it was heartbreaking.

​ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ And, though it does not quite stand out as a groundbreaking psychological thriller, the ending was such a bittersweet and quiet one that it left an ache in my heart. One that captured the maturity and growth of both women that felt sinere and real - 'we made such a beautiful mess together' - a believable look at how they were able to forgive themselves and atone for their own mistakes, especially for Sabine. It evoked such sadness for the time lost for Sabine - a regret that lingers deeply for how heavy a price one has to pay for the truth to come to light.

​*Thank you to NetGalley for the free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was a really great story! I couldn't put the book down.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this arc in exchange for an honest review!

Great story the terror of being hunted for a crime you didn’t commit. Knowing the who and the why but not able to doing anything about it . Read in one sitting.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

Vikki Wakefield's "The Backwater" is a hauntingly evocative novel that explores the quiet turbulence beneath the surface of rural Australian life. This compelling narrative weaves together themes of identity, isolation, and resilience in a richly atmospheric setting.

The story centers on Mila, a young woman returning to her desolate hometown after years of estrangement. As she grapples with the shadows of her past and the mysteries that lie in the backwater, Mila's journey becomes one of self-discovery and reconciliation. The setting, a small, remote town surrounded by the Australian bush, is depicted with such vivid detail that it becomes a character in its own right, enhancing the novel's moody, introspective tone.

Mila is a deeply layered protagonist whose internal struggles and emotional depth drive the narrative forward. Wakefield skillfully delves into her psyche, revealing the complexities of her relationships with family and the broader community. The supporting characters, each with their own secrets and motivations, add further texture to the story. The interactions among the characters are nuanced and authentic, making their growth and revelations all the more impactful.

"The Backwater" deftly tackles themes of forgiveness, belonging, and the interplay between past and present. Wakefield's lyrical prose captures the stark beauty of the Australian landscape while painting an intimate portrait of her characters' inner worlds. The writing is both poetic and grounded, creating a sense of immediacy and emotional resonance. The novel's pacing is deliberate, allowing readers to fully immerse themselves in Mila's journey.

"The Backwater" is a poignant and thought-provoking novel that lingers long after the final page. Vikki Wakefield's ability to blend evocative storytelling with profound emotional insight makes this a standout work in contemporary Australian fiction.

Readers who appreciate deeply character-driven narratives and evocative settings make "The Backwater" a deeply satisfying read.

A really great and atmospheric read. I enjoyed all of the characters as well as the storytelling. I do kind of wish that the ending hadn't been so ambiguous because I don't feel as though the book needed that.

The Kelly family has always been trouble! When a fire in a remote trailer park community kills nine people, including 17 year old Sabine Kelly's mother and sister, Sabine confesses to the murders. Shortly after, she escapes custody, flees her broken hometown, and disappears into the thick forest and winding backwaters of her childhood refuge, the river! Great read! I thoroughly enjoyed reading this one! When I started this book I thought it was going to be just ok it ended up being a fantastic read! It had great suspense, murder, mystery, violence, bad cops, almost paranormal, a fantastic who done it and some crazy twists and turns! The storyline was very interesting! I highly recommend reading this book! Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for sharing this book with me!

What an incredible, captivating novel!! This is the first (but not the last) book I’ve read by Vikki Wakefield.
I thoroughly enjoyed this action packed, twisty story. It’s full of mysterious intrigue and I loved Sabine and her faithful sidekick, Blue.
Thank you to the publisher for the opportunity to read this advanced copy. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.