The dry - Jane Harper

Aaron Falk, a federal investigator in Melbourne, reluctantly returns to the town of Kiewarra for the funeral of his childhood friend, Luke Hadler, who is believed to have killed his wife, Karen, and their son, Billy, before committing suicide. The town has been suffering through a prolonged drought, which has created a tense and hostile atmosphere.

While most of the town is convinced that Luke's actions were a result of personal and financial struggles, Falk is not so sure. The death of Luke and his family stirs up painful memories for Falk, especially since he and his father had to leave Kiewarra years ago after a young woman’s suspicious death in the town—a death that Falk was blamed for, though he was never proven guilty.

Falk, who harbors unresolved questions about the past, begins to investigate the events surrounding the Hadler family's deaths. As he digs deeper, he uncovers evidence that suggests the deaths may not have been a simple case of murder-suicide. He discovers that Luke's family had been dealing with their own set of troubles, and Falk starts to suspect there might be more to the story than anyone initially thought.

The investigation forces Falk to confront the town's dark history, and the deeper he digs, the more he uncovers about the strained relationships, hidden grudges, and long-buried secrets within the community. As the tension builds and the town’s harsh conditions take a toll on everyone, Falk realizes that he might be closer to the truth than he ever expected—but it could cost him everything.