Bronwyn Rivers

Ten years ago, six teenage friends embarked on an overnight hike in the bush, but tragically, one of them lost his life in the course of the hike. Now, his mother has invited the five surviving friends to a reunion held on the isolated property where the hike started a decade ago. They do not feel good about it but do not want to reject the wish of a still grieving mother. Once they are there, they soon regret their decision, though. The mother seems to be in much more distress than they show more expected, and the sheer isolation of the place adds to the sinister atmosphere. Above all hangs the question: What did really happen on that hike ten years ago?

This story gripped me from the start and I simply could not stop reading. Layer upon layer of secrets is revealed, and both plot lines were equally compelling to me: What happened on the hike, and what will happen to the friends on the isolated farm?

The setting is absolutely well done. It is described as "Australian gothic", a term I had never heard before, but that is very fitting. Both the property as well as the bush, a setting clearly modeled on the Blue Mountains, are eerie and striking.

I kept thinking about this book long after I had finished it, and I certainly hope that this author will write more. show less

The Reunion is an atmospheric, tense debut thriller from Australian author Bronwyn Rivers.

To celebrate their high school graduation, six friends organised a hike through the bush bordering The Lost Valley. But only five returned.

It’s been ten years since that fateful trip and at the invitation of their late friend’s mother, the survivors have gathered for a memorial weekend getaway at her isolated farm. Their reunion is awkward, made more so when Mary asks the group to tell her the real show more truth of what really happened the day her only son, Ed, died. Hugh, Charlotte, Alex, Jack, and Laura insist that there is nothing more to tell, but Mary doesn’t believe them, and she’s not letting them leave until they confess.

Shifting smoothly between the past and present, and unfolding from multiple points of view, I enjoyed this cleverly crafted story of suspense. Trapped by some very cunning and disturbing machinations, the former school friends are forced to reckon with each of their roles in the tragedy, and how it has shaped their lives. Emotions run high as secrets are revealed, and the danger escalates.

I thought the characters were well drawn. Mary is both sympathetic and frightening. The personalities of the group members are distinct and their complicated dynamics, both as teenagers and adults, are portrayed authentically.

Tension is present in both timelines as truths unravel. The pace is a little uneven but there are a few compelling twists and turns.

Offering an absorbing mystery with a touch of Australian gothic about it, The Reunion is an engaging read. show less

Disappointing for me. Lacked suspense and the climax and resolution weren’t very satisfying.