The Grapevine by Kate Kemp
A gripping and atmospheric debut novel about a mysterious murder that exposes the secrets behind closed doors in 1970s suburban Australia
From its shocking opening to its impeccable conclusion, The Grapevine is a cleverly revealing close-up of a claustrophobic communityI loved it -- Jennie Godfrey, author of The List of Suspicious Things
The Grapevine by Kate Kemp is a lively, original murder mystery set in 1970s Australia, where twelve-year-old Tammy is determined to investigate the murder of Antonio, whose severed foot is intensifying the already choking claustrophobia of a small town community. Beautifully written and acutely observed, this is a story where women of all ages are centre stage and the intertwining relationships between families, friends and neighbours drive a story that's packed with tension and intrigue. The Grapevine is such an elegant, sophisticated read, I can't believe it's a debut. Kate Kemp is definitely one to watch -- Janice Hallett, author of The Appeal
I absolutely loved The Grapevine. Brilliantly gripping and atmospheric, with such great characters - secrets, lies and all -- Sarah Brooks, author of The Cautious Traveller’s Guide to the Wastelands
Generous, ingeniously plotted and teeming with memorable characters, this finely observed novel brims with wit on every page. The Grapevine is a darkly compelling story about love, family, community and the friendships that sustain us * Margaret Meyer, author of The Witching Tide *
An atmospheric, richly observed debut set in 1970s suburban Australia. Immersive and compelling from first page to last. I loved it -- Cesca Major, author of Maybe Next Time
Deliciously dark and acutely observed, reading it is like being in the story. I could see the curtains twitch as I uncovered the secrets, and there were lots of them. This is a claustrophobic read with a shocking (and very satisfying) end, I inhaled it -- Nikki May, author of This Motherless Land
A wonderful debut. I loved it and was utterly captivated by Kate Kemp's writing - one of those rare writers who made me laugh whilst also breaking my heart. Tammy especially will stay with me for a long time -- Emily Elgar, author of The Herd
Full of wonderful characters, a gripping plot and great writing. I loved it and couldn't wait to return to it each night. Such a fantastic story -- Orla Owen, author of Christ on a Bike
The Grapevine was a joy to read. Its flowing, witty prose and deft characterisation transported me effortlessly into a small suburban street in 1970s Australia where murder has occurred, opening up the lives of its inhabitants for inspection. It's a cleverly constructed page-turner, endowed with empathy and insight, but the standout for me was how accurately - and often very amusingly - Kate Kemp captured the detail and dialogue of the era. My reading experience was littered with oh yes! moments. Bravo -- Dianne Yarwood, author of The Wakes
A beautifully written, claustrophobic and compelling mystery where secrets and lies hide behind closed doors. Kate Kemp is a writer to watch -- Sarah Pinborough, author of Behind Her Eyes
I absolutely adored this debut, which instantly creeps up on you. The Grapevine is claustrophobic and sharp, with a dry wit - an unapologetically feminist novel with a suspenseful murder right at the centre -- Lucy Rose, author of The Lamb
Superb . . . written with effortless grace, it's a rich tapestry of a book that's psychologically astute. The wit and humour is incisive -- Chris Bridges, author of Sick to Death
Secrets, lies, and a sweltering summer in a Canberra suburb . . . The Grapevine is a wonderfully-written debut about the secrets we keep from each other and ourselves. Yes, there's a murder, and yes there are some stunning twists along the way, but what really kept me hooked was the brilliantly-drawn relationships between the neighbours of Warrah Place. The simmering tension, and Kate Kemp's sublime observation of the intricacies of human behaviour, means the novel sizzles towards an explosive conclusion that left my jaw on the floor. I adored it -- Emma Cowing, author of The Show Woman
Deeply impressive . . . the final twist is devastating. Barbara Vine would have approved * The Times *
Secrets and prejudices proliferate like wildfire . . . gloriously evocative * Observer *
Extremely well-rendered . . . This dry, sharp and atmospheric debut is well worth the read * Guardian *
I can wholeheartedly recommend this exceptional debut . . . Deserves to be a big hit * Bookseller *
A great suburban mystery * i Paper *
A great read that totally pulls you in and brims with simmering tension throughout * Prima *
The Grapevine by Kate Kemp is a lively, original murder mystery set in 1970s Australia, where twelve-year-old Tammy is determined to investigate the murder of Antonio, whose severed foot is intensifying the already choking claustrophobia of a small town community. Beautifully written and acutely observed, this is a story where women of all ages are centre stage and the intertwining relationships between families, friends and neighbours drive a story that's packed with tension and intrigue. The Grapevine is such an elegant, sophisticated read, I can't believe it's a debut. Kate Kemp is definitely one to watch -- Janice Hallett, author of The Appeal
I absolutely loved The Grapevine. Brilliantly gripping and atmospheric, with such great characters - secrets, lies and all -- Sarah Brooks, author of The Cautious Traveller’s Guide to the Wastelands
Generous, ingeniously plotted and teeming with memorable characters, this finely observed novel brims with wit on every page. The Grapevine is a darkly compelling story about love, family, community and the friendships that sustain us * Margaret Meyer, author of The Witching Tide *
An atmospheric, richly observed debut set in 1970s suburban Australia. Immersive and compelling from first page to last. I loved it -- Cesca Major, author of Maybe Next Time
Deliciously dark and acutely observed, reading it is like being in the story. I could see the curtains twitch as I uncovered the secrets, and there were lots of them. This is a claustrophobic read with a shocking (and very satisfying) end, I inhaled it -- Nikki May, author of This Motherless Land
A wonderful debut. I loved it and was utterly captivated by Kate Kemp's writing - one of those rare writers who made me laugh whilst also breaking my heart. Tammy especially will stay with me for a long time -- Emily Elgar, author of The Herd
Full of wonderful characters, a gripping plot and great writing. I loved it and couldn't wait to return to it each night. Such a fantastic story -- Orla Owen, author of Christ on a Bike
The Grapevine was a joy to read. Its flowing, witty prose and deft characterisation transported me effortlessly into a small suburban street in 1970s Australia where murder has occurred, opening up the lives of its inhabitants for inspection. It's a cleverly constructed page-turner, endowed with empathy and insight, but the standout for me was how accurately - and often very amusingly - Kate Kemp captured the detail and dialogue of the era. My reading experience was littered with oh yes! moments. Bravo -- Dianne Yarwood, author of The Wakes
A beautifully written, claustrophobic and compelling mystery where secrets and lies hide behind closed doors. Kate Kemp is a writer to watch -- Sarah Pinborough, author of Behind Her Eyes
I absolutely adored this debut, which instantly creeps up on you. The Grapevine is claustrophobic and sharp, with a dry wit - an unapologetically feminist novel with a suspenseful murder right at the centre -- Lucy Rose, author of The Lamb
Superb . . . written with effortless grace, it's a rich tapestry of a book that's psychologically astute. The wit and humour is incisive -- Chris Bridges, author of Sick to Death
Secrets, lies, and a sweltering summer in a Canberra suburb . . . The Grapevine is a wonderfully-written debut about the secrets we keep from each other and ourselves. Yes, there's a murder, and yes there are some stunning twists along the way, but what really kept me hooked was the brilliantly-drawn relationships between the neighbours of Warrah Place. The simmering tension, and Kate Kemp's sublime observation of the intricacies of human behaviour, means the novel sizzles towards an explosive conclusion that left my jaw on the floor. I adored it -- Emma Cowing, author of The Show Woman
Deeply impressive . . . the final twist is devastating. Barbara Vine would have approved * The Times *
Secrets and prejudices proliferate like wildfire . . . gloriously evocative * Observer *
Extremely well-rendered . . . This dry, sharp and atmospheric debut is well worth the read * Guardian *
I can wholeheartedly recommend this exceptional debut . . . Deserves to be a big hit * Bookseller *
A great suburban mystery * i Paper *
A great read that totally pulls you in and brims with simmering tension throughout * Prima *
Kate Kemp is an Australian writer living in the UK. She trained as an occupational therapist and then as a systemic psychotherapist, and has worked with families and individuals in mental health services in both Australia and the UK. In 2021, she won the Stylist Prize for Feminist Fiction and the Yeovil Literary Prize. The Grapevine is her first novel.
| SKU | Unavailable |
| ISBN 13 | 9781399618984 |
| ISBN 10 | 1399618989 |
| Title | The Grapevine |
| Author | Kate Kemp |
| Condition | Unavailable |
| Binding Type | Paperback |
| Publisher | Orion Publishing Co |
| Year published | 2025-02-13 |
| Number of pages | 432 |
| Cover note | Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary. |
| Note | Unavailable |