Dirt Town
Dirt Town by Hayley Scrivenor is a gripping crime novel published by Pan Macmillan on June 23, 2022. Set in the small town of Durton, the story revolves around the mysterious disappearance of twelve-year-old Esther Bianchi as she walks home from school. The narrative unfolds through the perspectives of Detective Sergeant Sarah Michaels, Esther’s mother, and her best friend Ronnie, each grappling with the implications of the girl’s vanishing and the secrets that surface within their tight-knit community.
Readers will find an exploration of grief, suspicion, and the complexities of relationships in this atmospheric tale. As Detective Michaels investigates, she delves into the intertwined lives of those connected to Esther, revealing hidden truths and the weight of silence. The novel touches on themes of mystery and psychological suspense, immersing readers in the emotional landscape of a rural Australian town grappling with a tragedy that affects everyone. With 368 pages, this edition offers a deep dive into the intricacies of crime and community.
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*Winner of the CWA New Blood Dagger 2023*
‘A heart-wrenching mystery’ – Jane Harper, author of The Dry
Twelve year-old Esther Bianchi disappears on her way home from school in the small town of Durton – and the truth will not come easily. Dirt Town by Hayley Scrivenor is an atmospheric crime novel set in rural Australia.
Dirt town. Dirt and hurt – that’s what others would remember about our town . . .
The Detective
As the community is thrown into a state of grief and suspicion, Detective Sergeant Sarah Michaels begins her investigation into the disappearance of Esther Bianchi. She questions those who knew the girl, attempting to unpick the secrets which bind them together.
The Mother
The girl’s mother believes that her daughter going missing is the worst thing that can happen to her. But as the search for Esther develops, she learns that things can always get worse.
The Friends
Ronnie is Esther’s best friend and is determined to bring her home. So when her classmate Lewis tells her that he saw Esther with a strange man at the creek the afternoon she went missing, Ronnie feels she is one step closer to finding her. But why is Lewis refusing to speak to the police?
And who else is keeping quiet about what happened to Esther?
‘I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough’ – Chris Whitaker, bestselling author of We Begin at the End
‘A stunning debut’ – Ann Cleeves
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