A fabulously fun Aussie whodunnit

5 stars

The Grapevine, a multicultural locked room whodunnit in 1979 Australia, gave me everything I could possibly want in a novel. Neighbour Antonio has been murdered, one might assume, when his foot turns up, sending the community of Warrah Place into a tailspin. Speculation runs rampant as the residents look to one another wondering what happens behind fences and closed doors. None more curious and nosey than 12-year-old Tammy who begins her own murder investigation, in parallel with her ant observations, whilst being saddled with unwanted sidekick, Colin.

This book has something for everyone in the wide array of intriguing characters and the various issues they each deal with. Dynamic duo Tammy and Colin provide a good dose of humour as they try to make sense of the adult interactions they observe. New relationships are forged in this strange time as confidences are shared and secrets are hidden with greater vigour or unveiled and explained in time. The scope of characters tripped me up, initially, as there are quite a few and keeping them straight, along with their partners or husbands, felt daunting at times. I loved it, though. It was fresh, of the 70s from drinks to tv and wholly Aussie. I felt transported in earnest to this time and place. The people, even those sweetly odd, became dear to me. Lots of great lessons and snippets of wisdom gleaned among the pages of this novel. Touching, warm, painful, honest The Grapevine should be enjoyed by all this summer.