- This edition read as an e-book through my local library on BorrowBox
- Publisher: Affirm Press (June 30, 2026)
- Length: 384 pages
- ISBN13: 9781761637230
Synopsis (publisher)
The annual Curlew Street scarecrow competition is back, and the residents of Melbourne’s inner north have never seen an entry like it. Shirt bloody, head and arms slumped over a scarecrow crucifix: Victoria’s most conservative Supreme Court Judge, Harry ‘The Pope’ Somerton, is dead.
Priyanka Pal, a former psychologist turned homicide detective, is disturbed when her investigation uncovers corruption close to home. Forced to confront the abuses of powerful men – the very reason she left psychology – Priyanka’s faith in the justice system falters.
Emma Bloom is sophisticated, intelligent, and seems to have it all together. But her prickly, estranged sister, Margot, knows the truth. Their attempts at reconciliation spiral into crisis with the death of Emma’s abusive husband, The Pope.
As secrets unravel and Priyanka’s investigation cuts close to home, the sisters risk losing what fragile family ties they have left, and Priyanka’s career is on the edge. None of them will ever feel the same way about themselves (or their neighbours) again.
P.S. Mind the cat.
My Take
A thoroughly intriguing first novel, lots to keep the reader busy. A very different read.
A very unpopular Supreme Court Judge is found dead in the front yard of a Melbourne suburban house, part of a Scarecrow competition display. But it is not immediately obvious who was responsible for his murder: someone who had suffered at his hands, or an immediate member of his family, like his wife who was a victim of his abuse?
The story explores family relationships and community links, as well as police corruption. Highly recommended.
My rating: 4.6
About the author
Before turning to fiction, Lauren worked as a lawyer, diplomat, actor, arts journalist and museum communications manager (not all at once). This is her first novel
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