What Are Buzz Residents Reading?: Q&A with Sally Mason

Sally Mason's favorite reads of late are Jane Harper's mysteries. Sally (left) had the opportunity to meet Jane (right) at the Conversations from a Page literary salon. 

This week I interviewed Buzz resident Sally Mason about what she has read recently and loved. She selected Jane Harper’s mysteries. Harper has a three-book series starring federal agent Aaron Falk and two standalones, all of which are set in Australia where Harper resides.

My literary salon Conversations from a Page hosted Jane all the way from Australia last Friday, and Sally got to meet her at the event. Harper’s first book, The Dry, was a Reese Witherspoon book, and it has been made into a movie starring Aussie Eric Bana.

Here is what Sally has to say about them:

What is the best book you have read recently?

The best books that I have read lately are Jane Harper’s mysteries.

Buzz resident Sally Mason digging into Jane Harper's newest release, Exiles.

How did you learn about the book?  

This is an interesting story as I never would have picked these books to read if it wasn’t for Conversation From a Page! Since being an avid attendee of Conversations From a Page, I have become friends with several others who are involved in this book group.  We meet for coffee every so often and talk about all sorts of things but always have to mention books we like or are reading. A couple weeks ago we met and several ladies mentioned The Dry by Jane Harper. I really didn’t know anything about her but the book sounded interesting so I bought it. Her books are Australian-based mysteries and since I have never been to Australia, they drew me in.  

What did you like about them? What made them stand out to you?  

Her writing really grabs you and makes you feel you are right there. (I actually had to keep getting more water to drink as I read this book describing the searing heat and dust during a terrible drought in a remote area of Australia.) Her characters are very complex and secrets are revealed throughout the book to keep you guessing. Well, after I finished that one I had to read another book by her! Over the next few weeks I read all of her current books, Force of Nature, The Lost Man, and The Survivors.  They all take part in Australia but the landscapes vary from the Outback, to the mountains, to the shores.  The land may be harsh, dangerous, and unforgiving but whatever the conditions, you feel you are right there with the characters.  

What are you reading now?  

I'm excited to start her newest book Exiles, which has recently been released!  This book brings back Federal Investigator Aaron Falk who is on his way to a small town deep in Southern Australian wine country for the christening of a old friend’s baby. Mystery follows him, even on vacation… 

Read more about Jane Harper in last week's Page Turners column.

I would love to hear what you are reading! Feel free to drop it in the comments below.

For more book recommendations and bookish thoughts, see Cindy’s monthly Buzz Reads column, her Thoughts from a Page Podcast or follow @ThoughtsFromaPage on Instagram. Find upcoming Conversations from a Page events here.