Blood Junction

This is a very good book, especially for a first book. She has written books since this one and I would be inclined to read them when I come across them. This is in the mystery, suspense area. She does a good job with the characters and the plot. The plot is very comples for a first book and she is able to handle it well. A good read. J. Robert Ewbank author "John Wesley, Natural Man, and the 'Isms'"

As "Blood Junction" begins, the reader experiences the tragic manner in which the area got its nickname. In present day, India Kane travels to this outback area in Australia to meet her friend, Lauren, for a mini vacation.On the way, India's car breaks down in a desolate part of the desert and she finally gets a ride to town with Terence Dunn. That night, she stays at a local ranch and in the morning, while having breakfast, the police storm in and arrest her for killing Dunn and her friend, Lauren. The police attempt to coerce a confession from India through barbaric manners. However, India maintains her innocence and is finally permitted to leave the jail when an unknown person provides her bail. After that, India, former police officer, Mickey Johnson, and Det. Jeremy Whitelaw, an Aborigine, investigate the killings. Through a complex plot and with many suspects, the story continues and the reader learns of a scheme to eliminate the Aborigine race. Although the idea is far fetched, the author gives the facts in such a manner that the scenario becomes believable. The hunt for the killers is dramatic and suspenseful. We also learn a secret of why India was asked to come to this place by her friend. This secret centers on much of the story. The plot is on the grand scale and is well done. The characters are memorable. Mickey Johnson is someone the reader would enjoy seeing in film and India is gutsy and determined. In addition, the author's description of the sparse Australian country and its people was picturesque and memorable.

I read this mystery in a paperback edition brought back from Australia by a friend who visited there this summer. I found the author's evocation of the Australian outback fascinating and her use of aboriginal history absolutely riveting. I just had the privilege of seeing the new film, RABBIT PROOF FENCE, which tells the story of the Australian government's program to separate "half-caste" Aborigine children from their mothers in the 1930's. The film immediately revived memories of Ms. Carver's fantastic mystery novel, and I recommend both highly. You may also want to buy the RABBIT PROOF FENCE movie tie-in edition of the book that the film is based on. It would make a great pair of reads: one fiction, and the other non-fiction on the same subject!

"Blood Junction" is two-thirds of an amazingly fine debut. The feel of the desolate, huge Outback is with us every page. Her sense of the country and the Aborigines is right up there with Bruce Chatwin's "Songlines." (yes, that good!). Ms. Carver's characterization of her lead character, India Kane, makes for fascinating reading. India is strong, mysterious, but beautifully flawed. And then there is the plot---to put it succinctly, it lacks continuity. After a fine, tightly written prologue, we are plunged into the main story line wondering what, if anything, the prologue was meant to foreshadow. India Kane is to meet her best friend in the remote outback town of Cooinda. Her car breaks down, and she receives a lift from a kind young man to her destination boarding house. No friend greets her; she awakens the next morning only to be arrested by a policeman for the murder of the kind young man (who turns out to be a policeman) and her friend. This is a cop from hell, someone who would make the worst of the LAPD look like pussycats. That India has no motive and has never been in this town in her life doesn't seem to bother the detective in charge, nor is her lawyer too concerned with her rights. A kindly Aboriginal policeman protects and shelters her. He is a very well developed character who gets dropped inexplicably never to be heard from again. And so it goes. Sometimes, when I would turn a page, I was convinced I'd skipped a few pages (I had not) because there would be a great leap in time, action, and locale.You think of Nevada Barr, who has her own problems with over busy plots, when you read some of Ms. Carver's excellent word pictures of the Outback. I do think most readers will enjoy this debut effort in spite of the non-structured plot. She clearly has verve, a sense of humor, and her own sometimes odd take on what makes a decent human being. I am looking forward to further outings with India Kane. 3-1/2 stars.

I couldn't put it down. I spent a Sunday buried in it till I had double vision but kept going. I'm amazed that a 22-year-old could do this. It raised so many issues for me as an Australian - Outback attitudes, Aboriginal roots, a sense of place....I've been to places like this and could taste the dust. Diet Simon, Cologne.