Read This Next with Emily Darlow
Finding a new book you genuinely want to spend time with is no small thing. The best fiction does not rush you or talk down to you. It draws you in with strong characters, a clear sense of place and a story that stays with you long after the final page. This week’s Read This Next focues on new fiction that is well written, absorbing and worth settling into, whether you prefer crime, historical settings or contemporary stories grounded in real life.
The Other Bennet Sister by Janice Hadlow
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Readers who know Pride and Prejudice will remember Mary Bennet as the serious, overlooked sister who never quite fits. This novel steps back into Austen’s world and asks a simple question. What happens to Mary after the story ends. Janice Hadlow follows Mary beyond the familiar drawing rooms of Longbourn and gives her space to grow into adulthood on her own terms. As Mary moves beyond her family home, she encounters new ideas, social circles and expectations that challenge everything she has been taught about herself and her place in the world. Her story unfolds gradually, shaped by observation and experience rather than dramatic twists, making her transformation feel earned and convincing. Rather than rewriting Austen, Hadlow expands the world around it, focusing on how education, experience and independence can change the course of a life. Mary’s journey feels measured and believable, shaped by observation rather than romance alone, making this an absorbing read for those who enjoy classic settings, thoughtful character development and stories about finding purpose later than expected.
The Funeral Crashers by Joanna Nell
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This novel begins with an unusual premise and quickly settles into something very recognisable. Two people meet repeatedly at funerals and strike up a connection that grows into friendship. Martin, recently retired and unsure what comes next, and Grace, observant and sharp witted, find themselves talking about life, loss and what fills the days once the structure of work disappears. As Martin and Grace continue meeting outside the funeral setting, their conversations extend into everyday life, shared meals and small routines that begin to matter more than expected. The story follows how companionship can develop naturally when two people allow themselves to be curious rather than guarded. Joanna Nell writes with a clear understanding of ageing, routine and the social spaces people occupy later in life. The story is often funny but never silly, and it treats its characters with respect and realism, making it a strong choice for readers who enjoy contemporary Australian fiction that reflects the realities of retirement, friendship and starting again.
Murder in the Cathedral by Kerry Greenwood
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This final Phryne Fisher novel brings Kerry Greenwood’s iconic detective to a close with a story that showcases everything longtime readers love about the series. Set within the imposing world of a cathedral, the mystery draws Phryne into a case involving influence, secrecy and murder, all against the backdrop of 1920s Melbourne. The case draws Phryne into a tightly controlled environment where influence and reputation carry enormous weight and silence is often deliberate. As she investigates, the mystery widens to reveal tensions between faith, power and personal ambition. Greenwood’s writing remains sharp and confident, and Phryne herself is as capable and direct as ever. For readers who have followed the series for years, this book offers a satisfying farewell, while new readers will quickly see why historical crime fiction with strong characters continues to endure.
The Waiting by Michael Connelly
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Michael Connelly’s latest novel centres on LAPD detective Renee Ballard as a professional setback turns deeply personal. When her badge and gun are stolen, Ballard becomes both investigator and target, forcing her to navigate old cases, new evidence and the realities of working in a system that does not always protect its own. While pursuing the theft of her badge and gun, Ballard is also pulled into multiple investigations that intersect in unexpected ways. Old cases resurface, new evidence emerges and the pressure steadily builds as personal risk increases. Connelly’s reputation for tightly constructed crime fiction is well earned, and this novel moves at a steady, confident pace without relying on gimmicks. It is a strong choice for readers who appreciate crime novels grounded in procedure, persistence and the long view of justice.
The Killer Question by Janice Hallett
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Janice Hallett continues to refine her distinctive approach to modern crime fiction in this latest release. Built around documents, correspondence and conflicting accounts, the story draws readers into a mystery that unfolds gradually, rewarding close attention and careful reading. The mystery unfolds through written records and conflicting perspectives, slowly revealing how a single unanswered question can alter the understanding of an entire case. As details accumulate, readers are invited to reassess what they think they know at every stage. Rather than action driven suspense, Hallett focuses on how information is revealed and withheld, and how assumptions can mislead. This makes the novel particularly appealing to readers who enjoy puzzles, logical deduction and crime stories that rely on thinking rather than speed.
The Forever House by Lisa Stone
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This novel explores the idea of home as both a physical place and a repository of memory. As past decisions and family history resurface, the characters are forced to confront what has been left unsaid and what can no longer be ignored. As the history of the house is uncovered, relationships are tested and long standing assumptions begin to shift. The story traces how unresolved moments from the past can quietly shape the present until they are finally confronted.
Lisa Stone writes with a steady hand, allowing the story to unfold without melodrama. The result is a grounded, reflective novel that will resonate with readers drawn to contemporary fiction examining family, change and the long reach of earlier choices.
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