Book review: Whisky Valley by Joan Sauers

Whisky Valley by Joan Sauers is the second in the enjoyable series featuring semi-retired historian Rose McHugh. In my review of the first book in the series, Echo Lake, I commented that—as an historian and a background in research—she’s a feasible amateur (citizen) detective. Sauers also reintroduces characters from the first book, including Rose’s son Sam and her sister Kim, and local friends George and Detective Inspector Joe Blackmore and his wife Grace. I also commented on [Echo Lake] being an atmospheric read, based in the Southern Highlands of New South Wales, and again here the song sense of ‘place’ resonates.

After nearly being murdered last year, Rose battles anxiety as she uses her investigative skills to find her son's best friend, a famous violinist who is missing along with his priceless violin.

As floodwaters rise, Rose uncovers secrets and lies among the missing man's fellow musicians, as well as their patron and her enigmatic psychologist husband.
But when a body is found, can Rose shield her son from suspicion?

I find it interesting that Sauers writes Rose and Blackmore as if there’s some sexual tension or attraction between them but at the same time his wife Grace is lovely and a likeable character… so unlikely to commit some terrible offence or be killed off, clearing the path for Rose. Here however, Rose has some romance on offer in the form of local whiskey maker Diego.

I appreciate that Sauers paints Rose as someone struggling with past trauma but working through it. There’s her parents deaths when she was a teenager, but more recently the events in Echo Lake means she’s unable to do things she previously enjoyed, like hiking. Her therapist here becomes an integral part of the plot of this novel as it’s his wife, Sonja who brings violinist Billy Mah and his quartet to town for a music festival. It also brings Sam (he and Billy were childhood besties) and Kim to town. And I must say Sauers obviously knows her music, (or does detailed research) is as she effortlessly references composers and compositions with authority. And does the same with whiskey-making through Diego.

Sauers also throws a lot of elements into the mix in the lead up-to and following Billy’s disappearance. There’s some rivalry (and romance?) amongst the quartet that seems to be simmering away. There’s the very expensive (missing) violin bestowed upon him (complete with lustful intent) by patron of the arts Sonja who is nonchalant about embarrassing her husband with her antics. There seems to be some tension between Billy’s brother and their father… a perfectionist with high expectations of his sons. And then there’s Billy’s own demeanor and attitude, seemingly depressed and talking about quitting music.

The theft of the violin seems the most obvious reason for murder, but then the police learn of a fight that Sam and Billy had before his disappearance and Rose finds herself needing to investigate herself to find the police an alternative suspect to her own son.

I’m really enjoying this series. I noted in my review of Echo Lake that Sauers is / was a screenwriter and I think that’s evident here as well as she’s able to bring scenes, characters and actions to life.

Whisky Valley by Joan Sauers will be published in Australia by Allen & Unwin in early June.

I won a copy of this book from Better Reading and sharing a version of this review in return.