Catch Us the foxes
Nicola West
Simon & Schuster Australia
ISBN: 9781760857479
RRP $32.99
Description:
Some secrets you try to hide. Others you don’t dare let out … Twin Peaks meets The Dry in a deliciously dark and twisted tale that unravels a small town
Ambitious young journalist Marlowe ‘Lo’ Robertson would do anything to escape the suffocating confines of her small home town. While begrudgingly covering the annual show for the local paper, Lo is horrified to discover the mutilated corpse of Lily Williams, the reigning showgirl and Lo’s best friend. Seven strange symbols have been ruthlessly carved into Lily’s back. But when Lo reports her grisly find to the town’s police chief, he makes her promise not to tell anyone about the symbols. Lo obliges, though it’s not like she has much of a choice – after all, he is also her father.
When Lily’s murder makes headlines around the country and the town is invaded by the media, Lo seizes the opportunity to track down the killer and make a name for herself by breaking the biggest story of her life.
What Lo uncovers is that her sleepy home town has been harbouring a deadly secret, one so shocking that it will captivate the entire nation. Lo’s story will change the course of her life forever, but in a way, she could never have dreamed of.
My View:
This book had many interesting/intriguing parts but unfortunately, I could not suspend my disbelief to comfortably ride out this narrative. I think this is a book that will divide readers – you will either enjoy or like me will walk away feeling dissatisfied and unhappy with the ending.
The plusses – some great moments of intrigue, dilemmas, social issues highlighted …the best creepy character – Michael (very subtlety but creepily portrayed), many twists and turns. Bound to cause lots of discussions in book groups.
The minuses – so many “about faces”, my inability to suspend my disbelief, it felt like the book was trying to be too many things and not sure what that “thing” should have been. The social issues that were sympathetically highlighted then later ridiculed /condemned. The ending…you either will love or hate it.
If you have read this, I would love to hear your thoughts.
Reading, Writing and Riesling 
You pushed a button for me with this one, Carol: suspension of disbelief. I like my disbelief to stay close beside me when I read. If I have to give up too much of it, that pulls me right out of the story. I can see why you were left dissatisfied with this one. I do like the premise, though!
It is a good premise and I really enjoyed … part of the book. Others really love it. I will be interested to hear more views on this one.
I loved this book. I thought it was very clever.
I thought it would be one of those that would garner a lot of different responses. I look forward to reading your review.
Up on Monday. I am in the blog tour.