A really interesting story, I always really enjoy Petronella McGovern’s writing and this one was up there too. For me, there were a couple too many story lines that weren’t quite linked enough for me. While I loved getting to know each character, it felt like they were all on different trajectories that didn’t link enough for me. I kept waiting for them all to come together and I didn’t quite get it.

In saying that, I really did enjoy reading this book (hence why I still have it three stars)

I have read and loved all of Petronella’s books and couldn’t wait to get my hands on this one. It didn’t disappoint. Another compelling domestic thriller that explored a number of different issues in depth- religion, third world issues, drug use, bullying and the role of DNA in solving cold cases. I also enjoyed the quite different take on memory loss which is a trope that has been a bit overdone in the past.

Set mostly in a small town in NSW called Warabina, on a property called Mimosa. I enjoyed hearing all about the local towns which are close to where I live. Some parts were also set in the US which was a big contrast. It did take me a little while to get my head around all the different characters and their connections but once I did I really enjoyed it. I do like seeing messy family relationships play out and this one had many. Of all the characters I did enjoy main protagonist Lachy and his struggles with his son, his memory issues and being back in the first world after working in the this world.

The story is old from multiple point of views and a dual timeline. I enjoyed both the stories in the two different timelines and how Petronella slowly revealed the connections between them and seeing all the secrets come out. The historical elements were really well researched and you really got a feel for the time and what it was like for women in particular with a cultish religion. As usual Petronella kept me guessing the whole way though, I loved how she kept planting clues and seeds of doubts about different characters the whole away along. I definitely didn’t pick the ending but enjoyed the ride along the way. I can’t wait to see what she comes up with next.

McGovern has written another novel in which a relatively slight plot becomes unputdownable. It’s easy to keep reading this novel, and hard to put it down before you find out how it all works out.

Lachy has a secret, one he’s kept from almost everyone in his life. When he drinks too much alcohol too fast, he suffers from amnesia. To others he seems to be completely normal, even sober. But the next day he has absolutely no memory of anything he’s done.

As the novel opens, Lachy’s trying to piece together another blacked out night. He’s afraid that in the past he might have done some dreadful things, and now he has to work out if something bad happened last night.

I really enjoyed this novel. It’s very easy to read, and surprisingly compelling. The plot is quite slight, and at least one of the major “twists” was incredibly obvious well before the reveal. Despite that, this had me reading just one more chapter… and another… and another… Until Bang! I was finished.

The plot is interesting, and populated by realistic and believable characters. Readers will really feel for Lachy, even as they wonder whether he’s the good guy he wants to consider himself. Many of his failings are very understandable. His unusual problem adds some tension to the pile of problems he has to deal with.

I found all of the characters well rounded, vivid, and generally easy to get involved with. I’m not saying I liked or empathised with all of them, but I could visualise them as real people.

Despite lots and lots of complications, this is a fairly straightforward plot. It’s easy to follow, and even the slightly more far fetched aspects come across as credible. Characters’ emotions are very believable responses to what they’re experiencing.

This was an enjoyable novel to read. It’s not quite a thriller, nor a family drama, but readers of both will find elements to enjoy here. It’s very absorbing. I found myself entertained and interested throughout. I’ve enjoyed all of McGovern’s previous novels, and on the strength of this one, will be looking out for her next.

I will return to add review links closer to publication date.

The Last Trace is a family drama plotted with a deep mystery. I loved how the characters are so real and the mystery is a whopper. I was engaged from the start as the drama unfolds at a death defying pace. Intrigue and a dark secret are woven together to make a page turning physcological thriller that will leave you breathless.